Water use monitoring apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a water use and/or a water energy use monitoring apparatus that is affixed to the hot and cold water supply piping for continuously (or on demand) monitoring displaying the water and water energy (hot vs. ambient) use within a residential or commercial building. A first wire or wireless means is incorporated to communicate with a remote display for viewing by the owner of a commercial building or occupier/resident of a home. A second optional wire or wireless means can be incorporated that can be monitored by civil, commercial, governmental or municipal operators or agencies, using a remote display and/or recorder means or by a secure wire or wireless communication network (e.g. cell phone technology communication means). A third wireless means communicates water parameter data utilizing typical cell tower technology and/or mesh network technology. The water use monitor apparatus includes a power generation, a microprocessor, temperature and water flow sensors, optional water quality sensors, timing circuits, wireless circuitry, and a display means. A first wired or wireless means is designed to electronically communicate water use and water energy use information to a remotely located display for convenient observation by a commercial operator or occupier, or resident. An optional second wireless means is designed to electronically communicate water and/or water energy use information to governmental or municipal operators or agencies.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.11/877,860 filed on Oct. 24, 2007, U.S. application Ser. No. 12/539,150filed on Aug. 11, 2009, U.S. application Ser. No. 12/877,094 filed onSep. 7, 2010, and Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/389,709filed on Oct. 4, 2010.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This apparatus and the method of use relates to a metering apparatusintegrated with residential or commercial water supply piping, moreparticularly, relates to a water use with or without a water energy usemonitoring apparatus. This apparatus has the capability of communicatingwith an optional remote display for viewing and recording within aresidential or commercial building, and/or with an optional remotedisplay for viewing or recording for government or municipal purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Water conservation is becoming a major issue for many cities, towns, andcommunities, and an apparatus for monitoring water and water energy usesat specific residential, corporate, (or government) sites could beuseful in supporting water conservation and in assessing and controllingwater resources.

Several municipalities are considering or have enacted waterconservation laws or ordinances. For example, currently the city of SanDiego, Calif. has considered enacting an ordinance requiring newmulti-housing to include a secondary means for monitoring water use.Florida's Miami-Dade County Ordinance 08-14, effective on Jan. 1, 2009,defined restricted toilet, urinals, faucet and shower head water flow.California Assembly Bill 715 phases in lower flush volume requirementsfor water closets and urinals. Texas House Bill 2667 mandates showerheadratings of <2.5 gallons per minutes and urinal flush volumes <0.5gallons per flush. Los Angeles, Calif.'s High Efficiency PlumbingFixtures Ordinance contains requirements to install high efficiencywater fixtures for all new buildings and renovations.

For non-water related operations, the SmartMeter™ System, manufacturedby GE and Landis+Gyr, collects electric and natural gas use data from ahome or business. The SmartMeter™'s electric meters meter records andtransfers residential electric use hourly, and commercial electric usein 15 minute increments. The SmartMeter™'s natural gas module(s)attached to a gas meters records daily gas use. The data collected bythe SmartMeter™ is periodically transmitted via a secure wirelesscommunication network. The SmartMeter™ system uses programmablesolid-state meter technology that provides two-way communication betweenthe meter at your home or business and the utility, using securewireless network technology.

The solid-state digital SmartMeter™ electric meter records hourly meterreads and periodically transmits the reads via a dedicated radiofrequency (RF) network back to a defined municipality. Each SmartMeter™electric meter is equipped with a network radio, which transmits meterdata to an electric network access point. The system uses RF meshtechnology, which allows meters and other sensing devices to securelyroute data via nearby meters and relay devices, creating a “mesh” ofnetwork coverage. The system supports two-way communication between themeter and PG&E. SmartMeter™ electric meters can be upgraded remotely,providing the ability to implement future innovations easily andsecurely.

The electric network access point collects meter data from nearbyelectric meters and periodically transfers this data to definedmunicipality via a secure cellular network. Each RF mesh-enabled device(meters, relays) is connected to several other mesh-enabled devices,which function as signal repeaters, relaying the data to an accesspoint. The access point device aggregates, encrypts, and sends the databack to the defined municipality over a secure commercial third-partynetwork. The resulting RF mesh network can span large distances andreliably transmit data over rough or difficult terrain. If a meter orother transmitter drops out of the network, its neighbors find anotherroute. The mesh continually optimizes routing to ensure information ispassed from its source to its destination as quickly and efficiently aspossible.

Most residential and commercial water supply lines have a primary watermeter. However, the location of the primary water meter is usually notreadily available or not in a convenient location for a commercial owneror occupier, or a resident to observe. Even if the primary water meteris available for review by a commercial owner or occupier, or resident,the display is a simple continuous or cumulative gauge that does notallow the reader to readily monitor their daily, weekly, monthly, andannual water uses. Furthermore, the primary water meter does not havethe capability to wirelessly transfer water use information to a remotedisplay (or recorder with data collection/database) that is convenientlylocated for review by the owner or occupant of a residence or buildingto encourage water conservation. In addition, the primary water meteronly monitors commercial or residential supply water, and there is nocapability to analyze hot and/or cold water use to provide water energyuse information or distinguish between indoor and outdoor water use.

Accordingly, a need remains for a primary or secondary water monitorthat is conveniently located in a commercial or residential setting andprovides readily available water use in a format for encouraging waterconservation.

Further accordingly, a need remains for a primary or secondary watermonitor that is conveniently located in an commercial or residentialsetting that has wireless capability for displaying water useinformation to a remote display that is suitably located for observationby a commercial operator or occupier, or resident.

Further accordingly, a need remains for a primary or secondary watermonitor that is conveniently located in a commercial or residentialsetting that has wireless capability for displaying and recording wateruse information for governmental or municipal operators or agencies.

Further accordingly, a need remains for a primary or secondary watermonitor that is conveniently installed in a commercial or residentialwater supply line that captures hot and/or cold water use and canprovide water energy calculation(s).

Further accordingly, a need remains for a primary or secondary watermonitor that is installed in a commercial or residential water supplyline that independently captures indoor and outdoor water use.

Further accordingly, a need remains for a primary or secondary watermonitor that is conveniently installed in a commercial or residentialwater supply line that monitors for leaking conditions and cancommunicate this alarming situation by wireless communication to anowner or occupant of a residence or commercial building.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a water use and water energy usemonitoring display apparatus having a base station attached to a watersupply with wireless or wire capability to communicate with one or moreremote display and for recording apparatus devices. More specificallythe present invention is a water use and/or a water energy usemonitoring apparatus base station that is affixed to the water supplypiping (connected to either connected to the cold and hot water supplylines) for continuous, or on demand, monitoring the water and waterenergy (hot vs. ambient) or in another embodiment the single watersupply line used within a residential or commercial building. Inaddition, the present invention could be used with non-commercial watersources such as private wells and other non-commercial water sources.The water use and water energy use monitoring display apparatus basestation has a display means for displaying a plurality of waterparameters. A first wire or wireless means is incorporated to a remotedisplay and/or recording display for viewing water parameter data by thecommercial owner, occupier or home/apartment/condominium resident. Asecond wire or wireless means is designed for monitoring and recordingwater parameter data by civil, commercial, governmental or municipaloperators or agencies, using a remote display and/or recorder meansconnected by a secure wire or wireless communication network. A thirdwireless communication means is designed to use cellular formattechnology to transmit water and water energy parameter data to a remotelocation. The housing of the water use monitor apparatus base station orthe display/recording remotes can be fabricated from materials (e.g. apolymeric or metallic or any combination and possibly include chrome,brass white or colored finishes or combination of these finishes andmaterials of construction). The water use monitor apparatus base stationincludes a power generation, a microprocessor, temperature sensor, waterflow sensor and optional water quality sensors, optional high sensitivewater flow sensor for detecting leaking conditions and providing aseparate data for indoor and outdoor water use, timing circuits,wireless circuitry, and a display means. Ergonomically placed buttons ortouch screen technology can be integrated with this display as the basestation or the remotes to change parameter units (e.g. metric to US),set alarm conditions (e.g. volume set points), and program features(e.g. change the language, input a cell, mobile or standard telephonenumber for certain communications). A first wired or wireless means isdesigned to electronically communicate the water use and/or water energyuse information to a remotely located display for convenient observationby a commercial operator or occupier, or home/apartment/condominiumresident. A secondary wireless means is designed to electronically andwirelessly communicate water and water energy use information togovernmental or municipal operators or agencies. A third wireless meansis designed for communicating to an offsite central monitoring computeror cell, mobile or other telephone lines via satellite, microwavetechnology, the internet, cell tower, telephone lines, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the embodiment comprising the water useand water energy use monitoring display apparatus base station affixedto the input cold and hot water supply piping for continuouslymonitoring of the water and energy use within a residential orcommercial building. Also shown in FIG. 1 is the optional wireless orwired capability of the water use and a water energy use monitoringapparatus for communicating water use and water energy use informationto a conveniently located remote display/recorder for the commercialoperator or occupier or residential individual and an optionaldisplay/recorder for a governmental, civil, commercial or municipaloperators or agencies. In addition, FIG. 1 also shows a wireless meansfor communicating to an offsite central monitoring computer or cell,mobile or other telephone lines via satellite, microwave technology, theinternet, cell tower, telephone lines, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a water use and water energy use monitoringdisplay apparatus base station showing input hot and cold water supplieslines and output hot and cold water supply lines with a display meanshaving one or more display screens and a plurality of hardware and/orsoftware buttons.

FIG. 3 is an electrical schematic showing the main power, CPU ormicroprocessor, the analog or digital display means, the clock circuit,the temperature sensor, and the flow sensor.

FIG. 4 is a cross-section perspective view showing a plurality of waterparameter sensors located in relative positions within the supply linelumen and the connecting wires.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first or second display/recordingremote having a plurality of display means and a plurality of hardwareand/or software buttons.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a plurality of high sensitive water flowsensors including a transceiver that is attached to various locations ofa typical house for monitoring indoor water use and leak detection.

FIG. 7 is an example of a water energy data format that uses the ambientwater and hot water data to provide water usage and water energy costs.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate example embodiments of the invention, and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Definitions of word or phrases to be used herein are presented below:

Water Use refers to the total volume of water used over a period oftime.

Water Energy Use refers to the ratio of cold or ambient water to heatedwater use or to the ratio of hot water to total water use or as furtherdefined herein.

Residential and Commercial operations refers to multi-unit apartmentbuildings, condominiums, hospitals, dormitories, commercial officebuildings, homes, and the like.

Encryption refers to a privacy technology that prevents anyone but theintended recipient(s) to download, review or read confidentialinformation and data.

Authentication refers to the technology that ensures that a message,data or information that is downloaded or transferred from a one personor device to another declared or intended person or device.

Integrity refers to technology that ensures that a message, informationor data does not alter in any way during transit.

Non-repudiation refers to the technology that prevents a sender fromdenying that a message, data or information was sent.

Cellular format technology refers to all current and future variants,revisions and generations (e.g. third generation (3G), fourth generation(4G), fifth generation (5G) and all future generations) of Global Systemfor Mobile Communication (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPSR),Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO),Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), 3GSM, Digital EnhancedCordless Telecommunications (DECT), Digital AMPS (IS-136/TDMA,Integrated Digital Enhance Network (iDEN), HSPA+, WiMAX, LTE,Flash-OFDM, HIPERMAN, WiFi, IBurst, UMTS, W-CDMA, HSPDA+HSUPA, UMTS-TDDand other formats for utilizing cell phone technology, antennadistributions and/or any combinations thereof, and including the use ofsatellite, microwave technology, the internet, cell tower, and/ortelephone lines.

There are two embodiments shown in the drawings and described in thespecification. The first embodiment is a water use and water energymonitoring apparatus having a base station 10 that is positioned inclose proximity to the hot and cold or ambient water supply. The secondembodiment is a water use monitoring apparatus has a base station 126that is positioned in close proximity to only the cold or ambient watersupply and not to the hot water supply. Many of the features,characteristics and components described in this specification arecommon between the apparatus 10 and apparatus 126 and hence areinterchangeable. In the regard and in an effort to minimize redundancy,many of the common features, characteristics and components arereferenced commonly as apparatus 10, 126.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1 is aperspective view of the first embodiment comprising the comprising thewater use monitoring display apparatus base station 10 affixed to thehot and cold (second embodiment 126 in FIG. 6) water supply piping in anappropriate location for water monitoring 42 and for continuouslymonitoring of the water and water energy use within a residential orcommercial building 40. This can be useful for an individual orcommercial operator employing water conservation methods (e.g. reducethe sprinkler frequency or duration, encourage individuals to takeshorter showers, fix leaking devices). Alternately, the monitoring ofindoor water use and outdoor water use could be utilized by theparticular water supplying municipality or government agency to applydifferent rates for indoor water use and outdoor water use. In addition,since many municipal agencies include a sewer cost in a ratio of thetotal supply use, the difference between indoor water use and outdoorwater use can reduced the total sewer cost associated with only theindoor use, thus saving the consumer costs. In certain situations, acontrol valve can be located at a particular location, e.g. theirrigation valve whereby by utilizing the two-way wireless capability ofthe present invention apparatus 10, 126 whereby the water supplyingmunicipality or government agency can remotely control water use (e.g.send out a code that inhibits outdoor water use on certain days or atcertain hours of the day). For accurate measurements of water use orwater energy use the present invention should be installed between thepressure reducing valve or civil, commercial, governmental or municipalsupply water sources (with potential meter) and/or any distributionlines. It is also anticipated by the Applicant that present inventioncan be used on wells and in situations where the water source is notobtained from a commercial or municipal operations. The water use andwater energy use monitoring apparatus base station 10, 126 can update,upload or download water and energy use on various frequencies, e.g.once per minute, once per hour, once per day, or can send informationupon sensing the initiation of water use (after no water use period) onthe display/recorder screen (shown in FIG. 2).

Also shown in FIG. 1 is a first wired or wireless communication means 52from the water use and water energy use monitoring apparatus basestation 10, 126 for communicating water use and water energy useinformation or data to a conveniently located first display and/orrecorder apparatus 50 (defined in more detail in FIG. 5) located in aconvenient location for the commercial operator or occupier orresidential individual to observe daily, weekly, monthly or annual wateruse. The first wireless communication means 52 preferably utilizesencryption, authentic, integrity and non-repudiate techniques to providea secure transfer of the water and energy use from the water/energy usefrom the monitoring base station apparatus 10, 126 to the first remoteand/or recorder 50. The first wired or wireless communication means 52can send data on various frequencies, e.g. once per minute, once perhour, once per day, or can send information upon sensing an initiationto the first remote and/or recorder 50. Furthermore, the first wired orwireless communication means 52 can send data or information upon thesending of a request signal. The request signal can be generated by, forexample, the pushing of a requesting button located on the first remotedisplay and/or recorder 50 that transmits a request for water and energyuse data to the water and energy monitoring apparatus base station 10,126. The use of the request signal can minimize the use of wirelesssignals within the house or commercial building, conserving energy,minimizing the interference with other wireless devices, and reduce theexposure of wireless energy to individuals. Furthermore, the firstwireless communication means 52 can consist of two-way transmission,commonly known as transceiver technology, such that the monitoringdisplay apparatus base station 10, 126 can transmit and receiveelectronic signals from the first display and/or recording apparatus 50and similarly, and the first display and/or recording apparatus 50 cantransmit and receive electronic signals from the monitoring displayapparatus base station 10, 126. The first wired or wirelesscommunication 52 can be either one way transmission, or half duplexand/or full duplex two way transmission.

The second optional wireless communication means 54 is preferred totransit, upload or download water parameter data or information via asecure wireless communication network providing information to agovernmental, civil or municipal employee or individual 60 using asecond remote display and/or recorder apparatus 56 for governmental,civil, commercial or municipal operators or agencies purposes. It isanticipated that the second wireless communication means 54 can also bereceived by a moving vehicle or can communicate with cellular formattechnology utilizing cell towers 44 using another third wirelesscommunication 46. The second optional wireless communication means 54preferably utilizes encryption, authentic, integrity and non-repudiatetechniques to provide a secure transfer of the water and energy use fromthe water monitoring display base station 10, 126 to the second remotedisplay and/or recorder apparatus 56. Also, the second wirelesscommunication means 54 should include specific identificationinformation e.g. house or commercial building address. The secondoptional wireless communication means 56 can send data on variousfrequencies, e.g. once per minute, once per hour, once per day, or cansend information upon sensing an initiation to the second remote and/orrecorder 56. Furthermore, the second optional wireless 56 communicationmeans can send data or information upon the sending of a request signal.The request signal can be generated by, for example, the pushing of arequesting button located on the second remote display and/or recorder56 that transmits a request for water and energy use data to the waterand energy monitoring apparatus base station 10, 126. The use of therequest signal can minimize the use of wireless signals within the houseor commercial building, conserving energy, minimizing the interferencewith other wireless devices, and reduce the exposure of wireless energyto individuals. Furthermore, the second wireless communication means 54can consist of two-way transmission, commonly known as transceivertechnology, such that the monitoring display apparatus base station 10,126 can transmit and receive electronic signals from the second optionaldisplay and/or recording apparatus 56 and similarly, and the secondoptional display and/or recording apparatus can transmit and receiveelectronic signals from the monitoring display apparatus base station10, 126. Hence, the second optional wireless communication means 46 canbe either one way transmission, or half duplex and/or full duplex twoway transmission.

The third optional wireless communication means 46 is designed tocommunicate data under a cellular format technology with offsite centralmonitoring computer or cell, mobile or other telephone lines viasatellite, microwave technology, the internet, cell tower, telephonelines, and the like. It is anticipated that the third wirelesscommunication means 46 can transmit information to a programmed cell orphone number for communicating water parameter data or alarm situationsto the owner or a municipal/governmental agency (such as announcing awater leak situation). Also, the third wireless communication means 46should include specific identification information e.g. house orcommercial building address. The third wireless communication means 46can send data on various frequencies, e.g. once per minute, once perhour, once per day, or can send information upon sensing the initiation(alarm situation) to the programmed cell or phone number. The requestsignal can be generated by, for example, a request signal transmitted bya remote station (not shown). The use of the request signal can minimizethe use of wireless signals within the house or commercial building,conserving energy, minimizing the interference with other wirelessdevices, and reduce the exposure of wireless energy to individuals.Furthermore, the third wireless communication means 46 can consist oftwo-way transmission, commonly known as transceiver technology, suchthat the monitoring display apparatus base station 10, 126 can transmitand receive electronic signals from the remote station and similarly,the remote station can transmit and receive electronic signals from thewater use and water energy use monitoring display apparatus base station10, 126. The third wireless means 46 can also be designed forcommunicating to an offsite central monitoring computer or cell, mobileor other telephone lines via satellite, microwave technology, theinternet, cell tower, telephone lines, and the like. The thirdcommunication means 46 can also comprise a RF mesh-enabled device(meters, relays) is connected to several other mesh-enabled devices,which function as signal repeaters, relaying the data to an accesspoint. The access point device aggregates, encrypts, and sends the databack to a municipal or government agency over a secure commercialthird-party network. The resulting RF mesh network can span largedistances and reliably transmit data over rough or difficult terrain. Ifa meter or other transmitter drops out of the network, its neighborsfind another route. The mesh continually optimizes routing to ensureinformation is passed from its source to its destination as quickly andefficiently as possible. The third optional wireless communication canbe either one way transmission, or half duplex and/or full duplex twoway transmission.

Of all smart meter technologies, one critical technological problems ofthe present invention is secure data communication. Each meter must beable to reliably and securely communicate the information collected tosome central location. Considering the varying environments andlocations where present invention meters are found, that problem can bedaunting. Among the solutions proposed are: the use of cell phone/pagernetworks, satellite, licensed radio combination licensed and unlicensedradio, and power line communication. Not only the medium used forcommunication purposes but the type of network used is also critical. Assuch one would find: fixed wireless, mesh network or a combination ofthe two. There are several other potential network configurationspossible, including the use of Wi-Fi and other internet relatednetworks. To date no one solution seems to be optimal for allapplications. Rural municipalities have very different communicationproblems from urban utilities or utilities located in difficultlocations such as mountainous regions or areas ill-served by wirelessand internet companies.

There is a growing trend towards the use of TCP/IP technology as acommon communication platform for the present invention applications, sothat utilities can deploy multiple communication systems, while using IPtechnology as a common management platform. Other solutions suggest theuse of a single, universal connector separating the function of thesmart grid device and its communication module. A universal meteringinterface would allow for development and mass production of smartmeters and smart grid devices prior to the communication standards beingset, and then for the relevant communication modules to be easily addedor switched when they are. This would lower the risk of investing in thewrong standard as well as permit a single product to be used globallyeven if regional communication standards vary. The cellular formattechnology or other communication means can be used to transfer ordownload water parameter data from a residence/commercial operation, orwell operation, to a remote monitoring site, or used to upload data,information or software updates to the water use and water energy usemonitoring display apparatus 10, 126. In addition, the water leakmonitoring capability of the present invention, described below, can usethe cell tower or other communication means to communicate an alarm ormessage that a leak has developed in the residential/commercial or wellwater system. This leak identification means can call either aprogrammed cell or phone number, or can send the alarm or message to agoverning utility or municipality. Digital signals and data can becommunicated directly through wiring or wireless means 46, 52, and 54.

The water sensors and water parameter sensors can be analog or digitaldata that is communicated either through direct wiring or through awireless means 46, 52, and 54 Amplification may be necessary by acircuit and then communicated directly to the microprocessor 84 orthrough one of the analog-to-digital modules if necessary. Remotedisplay and/or a recording apparatus 50 (which is shown in more detailas 110 in FIG. 5) has the relatively important function of providing anindividual or entity to review water use and water parameter data forauditing or monitoring purposes. It is also anticipated by theApplicants that the display means 12, 14, and 16 (shown in FIG. 2) canbe located remotely from the water use base station 10, 126 containingthe CPU or microprocessor 84 with communication and control lines 83(shown in FIG. 3) that communicate either wired or wirelessly. Hence,the communication and control lines 83 can be used to transfer water useand water parameters to a remotely positioned display receiver apparatus(not shown) or the display means 12, 14, and 16 can be eliminated to bereplaced by the first display and/or recording apparatus 50, 110. Thefirst wireless communication means 52, the optional second and thirdwireless communication means 46 and 56, and the optional wirelesscommunication and control lines 83, can use radio-frequency, Bluetooth,ZigBee WiFi, optical or other wireless technology for transferring thewater parameter data generated by the sensors and collected by themicroprocessor and sent to a wireless to a display means and/or aremotely positioned receiver apparatus. Examples of Bluetooth modules(using the 2.4 GHz band as WiFi) that can be added to the presentinvention are the RN-41 Bluetooth modules available from Roving Networksin Los Gatos, Calif., the KC-41, KC 11.4, KC-5100, KC-216 or KC-225 dataserial modules from KC Wireless in Tempe Ariz., and/or the BT-21 modulefrom Amp'ed RF wireless solutions in San Jose, Calif. Examples ofwireless protocols that can be utilized with the present inventioninclude, but are not limited to, the IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11g and IEEE 802.11n modulation techniques. Another example of thewireless protocols that can be utilized with the present invention isthe ZigBee, Z-wave and IEEE 802.15.4 modulation technology. Applicantsrecognize that there are numerous wireless protocols that have beendeveloped that, although not specifically listed, could be utilized withthe present invention for data transfer purposes.

In addition, the wireless or wire data transfer 46, 52 and 56 (and 83)can be connected to the Internet using the IP or DHCP protocols wherebythe data can be monitored remotely over the Internet using a softwareprogram designed to record, display, analyze and/or audit the waterparameter data. The present invention would probably have to “log on” toa server to report the water parameters or it could respond to queriesonce its presence is known to the server.

Also some wireless routers support a form of “private” point-to-point orbridging operation which could be used to transfer water parameter datafrom the present invention to a receiving apparatus. Other kinds ofproprietary protocols to be used with the present invention are possibleas well. For example, there is the ISM (industrial, scientific andmedical) bands. The ISM bands are defined by the ITU-R in 5.138, 5.150,and 5.280 of the Radio Regulations. Individual countries' use of thebands designated in these sections may differ due to variations innational radio regulations. Because communication devices using the ISMbands must tolerate any interference from ISM equipment, these bands aretypically given over to uses intended for unlicensed operation, sinceunlicensed operation typically needs to be tolerant of interference fromother devices anyway. In the United States of America, ISM uses of theISM bands are governed by Part 18 of the FCC rules, while Part 15Subpart B contains the rules for unlicensed communication devices, eventhose that use the ISM frequencies. Part 18 ISM rules prohibit using ISMfor communications.

The ISM bands defined by the ITU-R are:

Frequency Center range [Hz] frequency [Hz] Availability 6.765-6.795 MHz6.780 MHz Subject to local acceptance 13.553-13.567 MHz 13.560 MHz26.957-27.283 MHz 27.120 MHz 40.66-40.70 MHz 40.68 MHz 433.05-434.79 MHz433.92 MHz Region 1 only 902-928 MHz 915 MHz Region 2 only 2.400-2.500GHz 2.450 GHz 5.725-5.875 GHz 5.800 GHz 24-24.25 GHz 24.125 GHz 61-61.5GHz 61.25 GHz Subject to local acceptance 122-123 GHz 122.5 GHz Subjectto local acceptance 244-246 GHz 245 GHz Subject to local acceptance

While currently the 430 MHz and 900 MHz frequencies are commonly used inthe US, it is anticipated by the Applicants that the other frequenciescould be used for water parameter transfers.

Another protocol known as CAN or CAN-bus (ISO 11898-1) that wasoriginally designed for automotive applications, but now moving intoindustrial applications is another type of network that could be used totransfer water parameter data. Devices that are connected by a CANnetwork are typically sensors, actuators and control devices. A CANmessage never reaches these devices directly, but instead ahost-processor and a CAN Controller is needed between these devices andthe bus.

Furthermore, the present invention can communicate utilizing opticaltechnology and other wireless networks such a cell phone technology orprivate networks.

The transfer of data or information through wired or wireless technologycan be initiated using a “wake up” button or signal from the first orsecond remote display/recorder.

Several different data formats that may be used to exchange data,including but not limited to: binary, XML, XHTML and XHTML Basic, XHTMLBasic as an Info-set in another form besides tagged text, Binary encodedequivalents of XML Info-sets including Wireless Binary XML (“WBXML”),ASN.1 encoded XML, SVG, Direct Internet Message Encapsulation (“DIME”),CSV, XML RPC, SOAP (with signature at SOAP level and/or enclosed contentlevel), SOAP (using WS-SECURITY with signature at SOAP level and/orenclosed content level), application specific content like spreadsheetdata, an HTTP response to an unsolicited HTTP request, a response to anunsolicited message, HHF, PQDIF, MODBUS, ION®, or other SCADA protocolwhere a response can be packaged up and embedded in another protocol orformat. These formats are frequently sent as MIME or UUENCODEattachments and are considered part of the protocol stack.

The water use and water energy use monitoring activities will requiresecurity due to economic impact or violation of municipal orgovernmental law and ordinances or fraudulent activities. SPOT is atechnology that uses the FM band and is coupled with a new digital radioinfrastructure.

There are various security techniques, including encryption,authentication, integrity and non-repudiation that provide securecommunications.

With Public Key Encryption, each user has a pair of keys, a publicencryption key, and a private decryption key. A second user can send thefirst user a protected message by encrypting the message using the firstuser's public encryption key. The first user then decrypts the messageusing their private decryption key. The two keys are different, and itis not possible to calculate the private key from the public key. Inmost applications, the message is encrypted with a randomly generatedsession key, the random key is encrypted with the public key and theencrypted message and encrypted key are sent to the recipient. Therecipient uses their private key to decrypt the session key, and thenewly decrypted session key to decrypt the message.

Digital signatures are provided by key pairs as well, and provideauthentication, integrity and non-repudiation. In this case a sendersigns a one-way hash of a message before sending it, and the recipientuses the sender's public key to decrypt the message and verify thesignature. When signing large documents it is known to take a one wayhash function of the plain text of the document and then sign the hash.This eliminates the need to sign the entire document. In some cases, thedigital signature is generated by encrypting the hash with the privatekey such that it can be decrypted using the signers public key. Thesepublic/private key pairs and associated certificate key pairs may becomputed using hard to reverse functions including prime number andelliptic curve techniques.

One-way Hash Functions are small pieces of data that identify largerpieces of data and provide authentication and integrity. Ideal hashfunctions cannot be reversed engineered by analyzing hashed values,hence the ‘one-way’ moniker. An example of a one-way hash function isthe Secure Hash Algorithm. X.509 and PGP each define standards fordigital certificate and public key formats.

Various encryption algorithms such as RSA, Advanced Encryption Standard(“AES”), DES and Triple DES exist. RSA is a commonly used encryption andauthentication system for Internet communications.

Secure Sockets Layer (“SSL”) creates a secure connection between twocommunicating applications. For the purposes of the disclosedembodiments, SSL and Transport Layer Security (“TLS”) are equivalent.These protocols are employed by web browsers and web servers inconjunction with HTTP to perform cryptographically secure webtransactions. A web resource retrievable with HTTP over TLS is usuallyrepresented by the protocol identifier “blips” in the URI. TLS can andis used by a variety of Application protocols.

Secure HTTP (S-HTTP or HTTPS) provides independently applicable securityservices for transaction confidentiality, authenticity and integrity oforigin.

S/MIME and Pretty Good Privacy (“PGP”) provide encryption andauthentication for email and other messages, allowing users to encrypt amessage to anyone who has a public key. This technology allows a messageto be signed with a digital signature using a private key, preventingindividuals from reading messages not addressed to them.

Microsoft Passport is an online service that allows a user to employtheir email address and a single password to create a unique identity.

Internet Protocol Security (“IPSec”) secures IP traffic across theInternet, and is particularly useful for implementing VPNs.Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (“PPTP”) is a protocol that allowsentities to extend their local network through private “tunnels” overthe Internet. This kind of connection is known as a VPN. Layer TwoTunneling Protocol (“L2TP) is an extension of the PPTP protocol.

A Media Access Control Address (“MAC Address”) is a number that isappended to a digital message and provides authentication and integrityfor the message.

The XML Signature syntax associates a cryptographic signature value withWeb resources using XML markup. XML signature also provides for thesigning of XML data, whether that data is a fragment of the documentwhich also holds the signature itself or a separate document, andwhether the document is logically the same but physically different.This is important because the logically same XML fragment can beembodied differently. Different embodiments of logically equivalent XMLfragments can be authenticated by converting to a common embodiment ofthe fragment before performing cryptographic functions. XML Encryptionprovides a process for encrypting/decrypting digital content, includingXML documents and portions thereof, and an XML syntax used to representthe encrypted content and information that enables an intended recipientto decrypt it.

Before the water use and water energy use monitoring apparatus basestation 10, 126 and remote displays and/or recorders 52, 54 (and 110 asshown in detail in FIG. 5) should communicate securely with one anotherand therefore they need to be provided with identities. The identitymust not be easy to assume either intentionally or accidentally.

Identities are particularly relevant in multi-site scenarios, where thewater use and water energy use monitoring apparatus base stations 10,126 are aggregated across a wide geographic area containing multiplesites, serviced by multiple utilities, each site operating on one ormore municipal agencies. Each water use and water energy use monitoringapparatus base station 10, 126 needs to identify itself when queried bya civil, commercial, municipal or governmental operator or agency.

In one example, each water use and water energy use monitoring apparatus10, 126 will be identified and verified to see if its identification isalready in the central storage. This identity can be implemented usingvarious values, including MAC address, Universal Unique Identifier(“UUID”), TCP/IP address, DNS name, email address, serial number, anunique string of characters issued by a municipal or governmentalagency.

It is important that within a give geographic area, no two water use andwater energy use monitoring apparatus base station 10, 126 will have thesame identity. It is therefore preferred that the entity, municipalityor authority name become a portion of the identity. The fabricationprocess could include inserting a unique identity in the water use andwater energy use monitoring apparatus base station 10, 126 atmanufacturing or repair time.

To protect its identity, it should be stored in a location that cannotbe easily accessed or replaced either physically or electronically.

PKI certificate based authentication schemes are utilized formachine-to-machine authentication. The water use and water energy usemonitoring apparatus base station 10, 126 is issued one or more PKIcertificates, associated identities and identity-related secrets, suchas private keys, during manufacturing. Alternately, an identity andcertificate are assigned by an authority unrelated to the devicemanufacturer and transferred to water use and water energy usemonitoring apparatus 10, 126 in a manner that keeps all secrets private.

A user registry maintains a database of device identities, associatedwith installed and operating water use and water energy use monitoringapparatus base station 10, 126. The registry must be updated whenever awater use and water energy use monitoring apparatus base station 10, 126is brought into or removed from service. The registry may be implementedas a distributed registry with a host name encoded within the MeteringPoint corresponding to a registry for that particular host.Alternatively, the registry can be implemented as a single largedatabase. The registry can be implemented as a relational database, XMLfiles, Comma Separated Value (“CSV”) files, or Resource DescriptionFiles (“RDF”), or any mechanism that allows associated lookup whencombined with the appropriate software. The registry enforces uniquenessof metering points, thereby preventing two devices from having the sameidentification address at the same instant.

Encryption, authentication, integrity and non-repudiation may beimportant characteristics when the water and energy use monitoringapparatus base station 10, 126 is sharing data or information with theremote displays. When an water use and water energy use monitoringapparatus 10, 126 receives or uploads data and information such as acontrol command signal to send or transmit data and information it iscritical that the device can authenticate the sender and be sure of theintegrity of the data and information. Encryption provides privacy bypreventing anyone but the intended recipient of a message from readingit. Encryption can be provided point-to-point, or end-to-end, dependingon the nature of the channel and the data. Only a portion of the datamay be encrypted. EM Components can encrypt messages using encryptionschemes such as PGP, S/MIME, XML Encryption, or SSL. Signing dataprovides assurance that the data comes from the desired source, and thatit has not been tampered with. Signing helps prevent so-called “man inthe middle” attacks where someone with legitimate or illegitimate accessto data intercepts the data and tampers with it or forges data. This canoccur with all aspects of communication, including installingcertificates, and exchanging frameworks and all types of EM data.

Non-repudiation prevents the sender from denying that they sent amessage. Non-repudiation can be provided by signing, electronicwitnessing and technologies that assert a document was read before itwas signed. Similar techniques exist for ensuring non-repudiability ofcontracts. Here, the water use and water energy use monitoring apparatus10, 126 include sign data, data packets or messages using PGP, S/MIME,XML Signature or TLS/SSL to provide for non-repudiation of thosemessages or data.

In the preferred embodiment, the water use and water energy usemonitoring apparatus base station 10, 126 will communicate with theresidential or commercial remote display and/or recorder apparatuses 50,56 (and 110 as shown in detail in FIG. 5) and the remote station at aspecifically determined frequency This update frequency can beprogrammed into the present invention for various time periods, e.g.once per minute, twice per hour, once per day, once per week. In theoptional second wireless communication means 54 with outside civil,commercial, governmental or municipal agencies, data and information canbe sent only occasionally or upon demand. Also the data or informationcan be processed-by an automated system and reports are only createdevery day, or week, or month, there is some leeway in when the data mustbe sent. In this case, encryption and signing calculations can beexecuted only when there is free processing time. This scheme performswell on water use and water energy use monitoring apparatus base station10, 126 where important real-time calculations can take up significantavailable calculation time for small periods, but over time periods of afew hours there is processing time to spare.

In an alternate embodiment, encrypted data is streamed across theInternet or cell tower technology as it is generated using theaforementioned techniques. This has the advantage that water use andwater energy use monitoring apparatus 10, 126 does not need to storeencrypted data.

In an alternate embodiment, water use and water energy use monitoringapparatus base station 10, 126 contains a removable or a non-removablestorage device that can contain water and energy parameter data. Thisremovable storage device may be removed from time to time to upgradeconfiguration data, or to download stored data. The water use and waterenergy use monitoring apparatus base station 10, 126 may be fitted witha physical lock that prevents unauthorized individuals from taking theremovable storage device.

A resident or commercial consumer of data and information may wish toverify that received data represents what the data the civil,commercial, government or municipal provider claims it represents. It isdifficult for a user to confirm the calculation techniques, sourceregisters and source modules used to arrive at a value, so sometechniques are needed to aid in this endeavor.

Software may be designed to check for valid signatures before an uploadis attempted, and only allow certain users to upload unverifiedfirmware. The firmware itself may verify signatures to ensure firmwarehas not been tampered with and is from an authorized source, and thatthe entity attempting the upgrade is authorized to perform an upgrade.Third parties may upload their own firmware written in their language ofchoice, such as Java, Prolog, Haskell, binary executable code, C#, ECMACommon Language Runtime (“ECMA CLR”), or ION® Object Configurations.Depending on the platform, source code or some repurposed version of thesource code (i.e. ECMA CLR or target processor machine code) isdigitally signed by the party and uploaded. Such code would be allowedto perform only specific actions based on trust level of the signer. Forexample, unsigned code or code signed by a non-trusted entity will notbe allowed to read the second wireless communication mean 54 or thethird wireless communication means 46. In additional, the water andenergy monitoring base station 10, 126 or the first remote displayand/or recording means 50 could has a microprocessor that includes adata memory bank for are calling the water and/or energy use parameterdata that can be compared with the data that is uploaded by thegovernment or municipal second remote display/recorded means 56 or thedata the is uploaded by the wireless cellular format communication means46 remote states.

In operation, before water use and water energy use monitoring apparatus10, 126 can transmit data or information to the second optimal remote,it must verify that the second display remote is authorized tocommunicate with the present invention.

In addition, any stored data, including cached data and data stored in adatabase, is tagged with a digital signature. When the data isretrieved, the digital signature can be used to verify that the data hasnot been tampered with over time.

As shown in FIG. 1 but applicable to FIG. 6, is a first wired orwireless communication means 52 from the water use and water energy usemonitoring apparatus base station 126 for communicating water useinformation or data to a conveniently located first remote displayand/or recorder apparatus 50 (defined in more detail in FIG. 5) locatedin a convenient location for the commercial operator or occupier orresidential individual to observe daily, weekly, monthly or annual wateruse. The first wireless communication means 52 preferably utilizesencryption, authentic, integrity and non-repudiate techniques to providea secure transfer of the water use from the monitoring base stationapparatus 126 to the first remote display and/or recording apparatus 50.The first wired or wireless communication means 52 can send data onvarious frequencies, e.g. once per minute, once per hour, once per day,or can send information upon sensing an initiation to the first remoteand/or recording apparatus 50. Furthermore, the first wired or wirelesscommunication means 52 can send data or information upon the sending ofa request signal. The request signal can be generated by, for example,the pushing of a requesting button located on the first remote displayand/or recording apparatus 50 that transmits a request for water usedata to the water and energy monitoring apparatus base station 10, 126.The use of the request signal can minimize the use of wireless signalswithin the house or commercial building, conserving energy, minimizingthe interference with other wireless devices, and reduce the exposure ofwireless energy to individuals. Furthermore, the first wirelesscommunication means 52 can consist of two-way transmission, commonlyknown as transceiver technology, such that the monitoring displayapparatus base station 126 can transmit and receive electronic signalsfrom the first display and/or recording apparatus 50 and similarly, andthe first display and/or recording apparatus 50 can transmit and receiveelectronic signals from the monitoring display apparatus base station126. Hence, the first wired or wireless communication means 52 can beeither one way transmission, or half duplex and/or full duplex two waytransmission.

As shown in FIG. 1 but applicable to FIG. 6, the second optionalwireless communication means 54 is preferred to transmit, upload ordownload water parameter data or information via a secure wirelesscommunication network providing information to a governmental, civil ormunicipal employee or individual 60 using a second remote display and/orrecorder apparatus 56 for governmental, civil, commercial or municipaloperators or agencies purposes. It is anticipated that the secondwireless communication means 54 can also be received by a moving vehicleor can communicate with cellular format technology utilizing cell towers44 using another third wireless communication 46. The second optionalwireless communication means 54 preferably utilizes encryption,authentic, integrity and non-repudiate techniques to provide a securetransfer of the water use from the monitoring base station apparatus 126to a second display and/or recorder 56. Also, the second wirelesscommunication means 54 should include specific identificationinformation e.g. house or commercial building address. The secondoptional wireless 56 communication means can send data on variousfrequencies, e.g. once per minute, once per hour, once per day, or cansend information upon sensing an initiation to the second remote and/orrecorder 56. Furthermore, the second optional wireless communicationmeans 56 can send data or information upon the sending of a requestsignal. The request signal can be generated by, for example, the pushingof a requesting button located on the second remote display and/orrecorder 56 that transmits a request for water use data to the water andenergy monitoring apparatus base station 126. The use of the requestsignal can minimize the use of wireless signals within the house orcommercial building, conserving energy, minimizing the interference withother wireless devices, and reduce the exposure of wireless energy toindividuals. Furthermore, the second wireless communication means 54 canconsist of two-way transmission, commonly known as transceivertechnology, such that the monitoring display apparatus base station 126can transmit and receive electronic signals from the second displayand/or recording apparatus 56 and similarly, and the second displayand/or recording apparatus 56 can transmit and receive electronicsignals from the monitoring display apparatus base station 126. Hence,the second optional wireless communication means 46 can be either oneway transmission, or half duplex and/or full duplex two waytransmission.

As shown in FIG. 1 but applicable to FIG. 6, is the third optionalwireless communication means 46 is designed to communicate data under acellular format technology with offsite central monitoring computer orcell, mobile or other telephone lines via satellite, microwavetechnology, the internet, cell tower, telephone lines, and the like. Itis anticipated that the third wireless communication means 46 cantransmit information to a programmed cell or phone number forcommunicating water parameter data or alarm situations to the owner or amunicipal/governmental agency (such as announcing a water leaksituation). Also, the third wireless communication means 46 shouldinclude specific identification information e.g. house or commercialbuilding address. The third wireless communication means 46 can senddata on various frequencies, e.g. once per minute, once per hour, onceper day, or can send information upon sensing the initiation (alarmsituation) to the programmed cell or phone number. The request signalcan be generated by, for example, a request signal transmitted by aremote station (not shown). The use of the request signal can minimizethe use of wireless signals within the house or commercial building,conserving energy, minimizing the interference with other wirelessdevices, and reduce the exposure of wireless energy to individuals.Furthermore, the third wireless communication means 46 can consist oftwo-way transmission, commonly known as transceiver technology, suchthat the monitoring display apparatus base station 126 can transmit andreceive electronic signals from the remote station and similarly, theremote station can transmit and receive electronic signals from thewater use and water energy use monitoring display apparatus base station126. The third wireless means 46 can also be designed for communicatingto an offsite central monitoring computer or cell, mobile or othertelephone lines via satellite, microwave technology, the internet, celltower, telephone lines, and the like. The third communication means 46can also comprise a RF mesh-enabled device (meters, relays) is connectedto several other mesh-enabled devices, which function as signalrepeaters, relaying the data to an access point. The access point deviceaggregates, encrypts, and sends the data back to a municipal orgovernment agency over a secure commercial third-party network. Theresulting RF mesh network can span large distances and reliably transmitdata over rough or difficult terrain. If a meter or other transmitterdrops out of the network, its neighbors find another route. The meshcontinually optimizes routing to ensure information is passed from itssource to its destination as quickly and efficiently as possible. Thethird optional wireless communication can be either one waytransmission, or half duplex and/or full duplex two way transmission.

Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 2 is aperspective view of the first embodiment comprising a water/energy usemonitoring display apparatus 10 attached to the cold and hot input watersupply piping 14 and the cold and hot output water supply piping. Thefirst embodiment of the show display apparatus 10 is designed to becomeattached to water supply piping in easily installation and aestheticallypleasing format. In the first embodiment, the water use and water energyuse display and monitoring apparatus 10 should be installed near the hotand cold or ambient water sources before any distribution lines suchthat the total volume or quantity of hot and cold or ambient water canbe monitored and recorded. In the second embodiment 126 where only thewater use is monitored, the present invention water parameter usedisplay and monitoring device can be installed near the cold or ambientwater source or supply line before the hot water generation device andbefore any distribution lines (e.g. at the pressure reduction valve)such that the total volume or quantity of cold or ambient water can bemonitored and recorded. It is anticipated by the Applicant that thesecond embodiment of the present invention water parameter use displayand monitoring device 126 can be incorporated into or serve as thepressure reduction valve or primary water meter at residential orcommercial facilities. The components of the first embodiment of thepresent invention include a plurality of water pipe joint unions orsections 30, 32, 34 and 36, a housing section 18 containing theelectrical circuitry and microprocessor, a power source with a waterproof removable cover, and first 12, second 14 and third 16 water useand water parameter display mechanisms.

The plurality of water pipe unions or joints 30, 32, 34 and 36 can befabricated from typical metallic piping materials such as brass, brassalloys, steel, galvanized steel, copper, copper allows or anycombination thereof. The water pipe joint can be fabricated from anumber of polymeric materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC),polyethylene, polybutylene, acryaontirile-butadiene-styrene (ABS),rubber modified styrene, polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, ornylon. The base material can be painted white or colored finishes orcoated with various brass, silver and gold type materials to accommodatethe match with various presently marketed finishes. As shown in FIG. 2,the water union or joints 30, 32, 34, and 36 generally have a femalethread (not shown) within the input end for engaging the male treads ofa typical water supply lines 20 and 22 and water delivery lines 24 and26. For certain applications, the male/female thread locations can bechanged to accommodate certain attachment forms or specifications. Inaddition, other attachment means, such as adhesive, snap fit joint,compression fitting, flare fitting or other technologies can beemployed.

The material for fabricating the water pipe union or joint 30, 32, 34and 36 is not particularly important except that the union or joint hasto engage the water supply and delivery lines with a relatively watertight seal, and that preferably there should be a sealing means thatfunctions 1) to secure in place, any parameter sensors that areprojecting into the water stream and 2) to provide a water-tight sealthat can prevent any water from penetrating past the seal and 3) includestructural integrity to withstand continuous water pressure and otherforces Various washer designs fabricated from compounds of rubber,urethane, elastomeric or thermosetting polymeric compounds have beendisclosed and are in present in similar uses. Seal and sealingtechnology is well known in the art. The joint between the water pipeunion and the water supply and delivery lines could be screw and threadtechnology, snap fit, compression fitting, flare fitting, or useadhesive technology. For example, in the case of fabricating with ametallic component, a solder, brazed, or sweat joint could be used. Forexample, in the case of polymeric, the extending or articulating couldbe an extension of the display apparatus manufactured by molding, heatbonding, or adhesive technology. The joint may be designed to bepermanent or removable.

Further referring to FIG. 2, the present invention base stationapparatus 10 includes a housing 18, a computerized circuit board(depicted in FIG. 3), the display means housing having a optional doorfor replacing or regenerating the power source or removable data chipand a plurality of buttons or activators 19, 21, and 23, or softwarebuttons (e.g. touch screen technology) 140, 142, and 144, that allow forcertain modification of the software instructions (change units, changelanguage, change from metric to US standard, set alarms, calibratesensors, or establish communication with wired or wireless sensors).While FIG. 2 shows three hard buttons 19, 21 and 23 and three softwarebutton activators 140, 142 and 144, it is anticipated by the Applicantthat a different series of hard or software buttons can be used, and/ora different series of software button sequencing can be utilized.Furthermore, other hard button technology can be used, such as a rotaryswitches or multiple membrane switch technology. The housing 18 can befabricated from a metallic material such as brass, brass alloys, steel,galvanized steel, copper, copper allows or any combination thereof. Thedisplay means housing can be fabricated from a number of polymericmaterials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polybutylene,acryaontirile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), rubber modified styrene,polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, or nylon. The base material canbe painted white or colored finishes or coated with various brass,silver and gold type materials to accommodate the match with variouspresently marketed finishes. The material for fabricating the housing 18is not particularly important except and the size of the display meanswill generally determine the size of the housing but it does not have tobe substantially rectangular as shown, any number of geometricconfigurations could be used in the present invention.

The plurality of display means 12, 14, and 16 and as presented in FIG. 2utilizes one or more illuminating technologies, such as LCD, LED, gasplasma, fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lightingtechnologies but should be able to provide sufficient lighting forobserving the data and information in dark conditions. In addition, thedisplay means and display means housing should be able to sustaincapability in moist wet conditions. The present invention can includeone or more than one display means to show various water use and waterenergy use parameters. Provided only as an example, display means 12 candisplay different levels of water use with a color hue or formatproviding a visual cue. For example, a green background or parameterdigits for a 1^(st) hundred cubic feet (e.g. a first 14 HCF) level,yellow background or parameter digits for a 2^(nd) hundred cubic feet (asecond 14 HCF) level, and red background or parameter digits for a3^(rd) hundred cubic feet (28 HCF) level. For example, the otherembodiment with only the flow and water use display can be manufacturedto reduce overall costs. Furthermore, the orientation of the water useand water energy use parameters can be presented in various formats. Forexample, the flow parameter can be on top 12 with the date parameter onthe bottom 16 and with the energy parameter sandwiched between 14. Thedisplays 12, 14, and 16 can have a background light or parameteralpha-numeric digits that is used for various purposes, for example, forproviding better lighting conditions or changing color e.g. from greento yellow and to red, to display an alarming condition (e.g. water useover time has exceed a certain level). Displaying of all water and waterenergy parameters can utilize a gang multiple LCD, LED, gas plasma,fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lightingtechnologies separate displays, custom displays, graphic displays or asingle line display which sufficient digits that sequences thepresentation of the water parameters and water energy parameters one ata time with a specific delay and sequencing. An example of a LCD unitthat can be used with the present invention is the color graphic 128×128LCD-00569 marketed by Sparkfun Electronics in Boulder, Colo. Digitikey,Mouser and other electronic supply warehouses have many other variantsand other LCD, LED, gas plasma, fluorescence, incandescent, halogen,halide, or other lighting technologies that can be utilized with thepresent invention.

The display means 12, 14, and 16 can be programmed to display one ormore parameters in a visual means that can be either an analog,character or digital display, or combination of display means.Information obtained from the appropriate sensor monitoring or measuringthe water parameters such as temperature, date/time, flow rate or waterquality parameters can be displayed in an appropriate format on thedisplay means. For example, when a sensor is monitoring or measuring therate of water flowing from a water source or the display means couldshow any flow between 1.0 gal/min (3.8 liters/min) to many thousands ofgals/day. For example, when a sensor is monitoring the temperature ofhot and cold (ambient) water flowing through the housing, the displaymeans could show any energy ratio calculation that takes into effect theoverall temperature and total volume of heated water vs. the totalvolume of cold or ambient water. It is anticipated by the Applicant thatmany different water energy calculations might be utilized by thepresent invention. Furthermore, the display can be programmed to displaycalendar information, such as the date and current time (12 hr. or 24hr. format).

Water energy use was defined herein as to the ratio of cold or ambientwater use to heated water use or to the ratio of hot water use to totalwater use. However, the Applicant contends that many other water energycalculations can be programmed for use with the present invention. Forexample, a commonly known energy calculation such as the “Energy Factor”which includes the ratio of useful energy output from the water heaterto the total amount of energy delivered to the water heater might beused with the ratio of total volume of hot water (including thetemperature of the hot water monitored over a time period) and totalvolume of cold or ambient are taken into consideration, resulting inanother energy calculation.

The Applicant contends that many different water energy calculations canbe used with the present invention without deviated from its intendeduse.

It is anticipated by the Applicant the present invention can befabricated and marketed with one, two or more display means. Forexample, a lower cost display assembly can be fabricated and sold thatonly has a temperature sensor and temperature display means. A moreexpensive display assembly can be fabricated and sold that hastemperature, flow, timing and other sensors with various programmedmethods and a shut off mechanism.

Also shown in FIG. 2, one or more ergonomically 19, 21, and/or 23 placedbuttons or activators can be incorporated into the display means housingto allow the modification of certain parameter units (e.g. metric toUS), set alarm conditions (e.g. flow/volume rate-set points), or toprogram certain settings, e.g. over water use alarm, monitor continuousleakage (valve not complete shut off), calibrate sensors, or establishcommunication with wired or wireless sensors. The buttons willelectrically communicate with the electronic circuit board containedwith the housing 18 and respond to programmed instructions integratedwithin the CPU or microprocessor and associated circuitry of theelectronic circuit board. The buttons or activators 19, 21 and/or 23should be mounted with the display means housing 18 with the capabilityto protect the buttons and electronic circuitry with the housing forexposure to moist and wet conditions. Software buttons 140, 142, and 144(e.g. touch screen technology) can replace or be used in conjunctionwith the button or activators 19, 21, and 23.

A visual alarm or signal can be incorporated into the present inventionwhereby a preset alarm or programmed alarm, changes the one or more ofthe screen displays, for example, blinking a parameter or backlight, orchanging the color of a parameter or backlight (e.g. green to yellow tored). For example, one or more displays can exhibit a first backgroundor text color (e.g. green) when a first volume range of water use hasbeen monitored. After a second volume range of water use has beenmonitored, the one or more displays can exhibit a second background ortext color (e.g. yellow). And when a third volume range of water use hasbeen monitored, the one or more displays can exhibit a third backgroundor text color (e.g. red) when a third volume range of water use has beenmonitored.

A preset alarm might include visual reference, for example, anin-operative condition, broken sensor, low power source, leakingcondition, optional sensor warning (e.g. chlorine level, TDA,biological, hardness or pH levels high), and some other default limits.Programmed visual alarms would allow for individual selection (e.g.volume over set point, flow rate set point, total volume exceeded setpoints) which might be restricted or not by the default settings.

In addition, an auditory alarm (or combined visual/auditory) can beincorporated into the present invention whereby a preset alarm orprogrammed alarm, changes the screen display (flashing), for example,using sound or pulsing a specific noise, or changing the color of aparameter. For example, the temperature display can change from green toyellow to red when a water use levels are crossed with a auditorysignal. A preset alarm might include visual reference, for example, anin-operative condition, broken sensor, low power source low powersource, leaking condition, optional sensor warning (e.g. chlorine level,TDA, biological, hardness or pH levels high), and some default limits.Programmed auditory or visual alarms would allow for individualselection (e.g. temperature over set point, time past set point, flowrate set points) which might be restricted or not by the defaultsettings.

In addition, the water use monitoring display apparatus 10, 126 caninclude water shut off means to turn off the water supply if an alarmcondition or setting point is exceed and has been activated. The watershut off means is electrically connected to the CPU or microprocessor 84and the power means thereby controlling the application of electricalpower to activate or de-activate the water shut off means. The watershut off means can comprise, for example, a typical ball valve orsolenoid shut off valve incorporate into the connection union such thatwater from the source is closed such that no water exits the shower orbath water head. The water shut off means can be activated if an alarmstate has been achieved, e.g. 200 gals/day of water is exceeded or thetotal of 15 gallons of water has flowed since the water source wasclosed. The alarm or settings can be a default setting installed by themanufacturer or programmed by the user. The water shut off means can beactivated by software instructions, or initiated by a commandcommunicated over the optional second 54 and third 46 wireless means. Asan example, many irrigation manufactures (Orbit, Hunter irrigationproducts) incorporate battery control valves and there are numerousother flow valves using standard electrical energy are available, e.g.ball valves, gat e valves, butterfly valves.

Now referring to FIG. 3, shown is a is a timing clock integrated circuit88 with data transfer means 89 for communicating with the CPU ormicroprocessor 84 and having a power line 85 and ground line 86, atemperature sensor or temperature integrated circuit 93 with a datatransfer means 92 for communicating with the CPU or microprocessor 84and having a power line 96 and ground 97, and the flow sensor (e.g.pressure, ultrasonic, turbine flow) or flow sensor integrated circuit 95with a data transfer means 94 for communicating with the CPU ormicroprocessor 84 with a power line 98 and ground line 99. Thetemperature integrated circuit 93 (and representing temperature sensor70) can be located in close proximity to the cold or ambient water lineor in close proximity both the cold or ambient water and hot water line.In addition, flow sensor integrated circuit 95 (and representing flowsensor 76) can be located in close proximity to the cold or ambientwater line or in close proximity both the cold or ambient water and hotwater line. The integrated circuits for the timing clock 88, temperaturesensor 93 and flow sensor 95 can include circuitry to convert analogdata to a digital format. Also shown is a first wire or wirelesselectronic communication means 100 with a data transfer means 104, and asecond wire or wireless electronic communication means 101 with a datatransfer means 102, where both data transfer means 102 and 104communicates with the CPU 84.

The microprocessor 84 that processes the information supplied by thevarious sensors described herein (FIG. 4) uses internal instructions tocontrol the information projected on the display 80 and for processingalarm states. The microprocessor can include an EEPROM or any type ofmemory section that allows for specific programming to be incorporatedas processing instructions. Furthermore, the microprocessor 84 may havethe capability to convert analog signals into digital information fordecoding and processing. An example of a microprocessor 84 that could beused is the PIC16F876 28-pin 8-Bin CMOS FLASH micro-controllersmanufactured by Microchip Technology, Inc. This particularmicroprocessor has a 128K EEPROM Data memory bank for flash memory ofspecific instructions and utilizes a 35-word instruction set. It alsohas five 10-bit Analog-to-Digital Inputs that can provide the means forconverting the information obtained from the various sensors describedherein (FIG. 4) from its analog format into a digitized form forprocessing by the instruction sets of the CPU or microprocessor 84.Another example of a microprocessor 84 that could be used for the CPU ormicroprocessor is the MSP430 family of processors from Texas Instrumentsin Dallas, Tex. There are hundreds of variants but for an example, theMSP430F436IPN (80 pin package) or MSP430F436IPZ (100 pin package) couldbe utilized in the present invention. It is anticipated by the Applicantthat more powerful microprocessors with more memory capacity may beutilized to accommodate the more complex audio or verbal communicationsmeans. There are many other variants or other microprocessors, whethercommercially marketed or privately fabricated, that can be used with thepresent invention.

In addition, a means to record and digitally story the water parametersor data can be incorporated into the present invention. An integratedmemory circuit can be incorporated into the CPU or microprocessor 84, orcan be a separate memory circuit, and can include associated circuitrywith a means to transfer the recorded data to a removable media, such asa flash mount on an electronic circuit board to control the displaymeans and communicate with the sensors. Various data access ports, suchas serial, parallel, or USP, internet, can be used to transfer thestored data to another device, such as a computer. The CPU ormicroprocessor 84 and associated circuitry mounted on the electroniccircuit board can also have the capability to be programmed forcontrolling certain display means (e.g. U.S. or metric units),programming alarm or setting states (e.g. flash all display meansdifferent colors e.g. red when the total volume has exceeded a certainvolume, for example, 200 gallons/day).

Also shown in FIG. 3, is the timing circuit 88 functioning tocommunicate with the CPU or microprocessor 84 to display suchinformation such as the time of day and current date and/or a time stampfor the duration that the water supply has turned been on and off. Formonitoring the time stamp parameters of the water flowing through thepresent invention, the use of various trip switches or water sensors asdepicted in FIG. 4 are positioned in close proximity to the flowingwater to be monitored. Various mechanica, magnetic or software switchescan be utilized to communicate a signal to the CPU or microprocessor 84that water supply has been initiated and then the software instructionsand CPU or microprocessor can display the cumulative time that the watersupply is flowing through the present invention. The mechanical,magnetic or software switch will have the capability to also communicatea signal to the CPU or microprocessor 84 that the water supply has beenshut off such that the software instructions and CPU or microprocessorcan calculate various parameters, such as, but not limited to, theduration of water supply, total number of gallons or liters of waterused and flow rates.

Technologies that can be use as the timing circuit 88 include electricalresistance sensors, ohm meter, multimeter electrical current sensors:galvanometer, ammeter, electrical voltage sensors: leaf electroscope,voltmeter electrical power sensors, watt-hour meters magnetism sensors,magnetic compass, fluxgate compass, magnetometer, Hall effect device. Inaddition, various chemical technologies, such as oxygen sensors,ion-selective electrodes, and redox electrodes might be used.Furthermore, optical radiation technology can be used as the timingsensor, such as light sensors, on photo-detectors includingsemi-conduction devices such as photocells, photodiodes,phototransistors, CCDs, and image sensors; vacuum tube devices likephoto-electric tubes, photomultiplier tubes, and mechanical instrumentssuch as the Nichols radiometer, infra-red sensors, especially used asoccupancy sensors for lighting and environmental controls,interferometry-interference fringes between transmitted and reflectedlight-waves produced by a coherent source such as a laser are countedand the distance is calculated. In addition, fiber optic sensors arecapable of extremely high precision.

Because the present invention water use and water energy monitoringapparatus can be used in situations where the source of water comes fora well or non-commercial operation, and furthermore, where thecommercial operations water treatments plants are under pressure toprovide more water supplies or where problems, breakdowns or accidentalsituations can cause contamination of the water source, the presentinvention can be fitted with, display parameters of, and provide warningfor, numerous mineral, elements and biological contaminates. Asillustrated in FIG. 4 is a cross-section showing the one or more sensors70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 140 and/or 142 located in close proximity towater supply line 20, 22 and/or a water delivery supply line 24, 26 andthere relative position of the sensors in the supply line lumen 38 andthe connecting wires 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 141 and 143 for the displaymeans. For exemplary purposes, sensor 70 could be a timing sensor e.g.to monitor when water is flowing, sensor 72 can be a temperature sensor,sensor 74 can be a flow sensor, 76 can be a halogen (e.g. chloride orfluoride) sensor, 78 can be a total dissolved solids sensor, 80 can be abiological or fecal sensor, and 140 can be a water hardness sensor and142 can be a specific iron or other mineral sensor.

In general, a sensor is a type of transducer. A direct type indicatingsensors, for example, a mercury thermometer, is human readable. However,other sensors must be paired with an indicator or display, for instance,thermocouple sensor. Most sensors are electrical or electronic, althoughother types exist.

Technological progress allows for more and more to be manufactured onthe microscopic scale as micro-sensors using MEMS technology. In mostcases a micro-sensor reaches a significantly higher speed andsensitivity compared with macroscopic approaches.

There are many types of sensors that can be used with the presentinvention. Since a significant small change involves an exchange ofenergy, sensors can be classified according to the type of energytransfer that they detect. For measuring or monitoring the temperatureof the water flowing from the shower or bath head, the use of variousthermocouples or thermistor sensors 70 as depicted in FIG. 3 isprotruding within the water supply lumen 38 (or in close proximity tothe water to be measured) and mounted within the articulating jointmechanism 22. Wires 71 are shown extending from the sensor 70 toelectronically communicate with the CPU or microprocessor 84 and displayunit.

In 1821, the German-Estonian physicist Thomas Johann Seebeck discoveredthat when any conductor (such as a metal) is subjected to a thermalgradient, it will generate a voltage. This is now known as thethermoelectric effect or Seebeck effect. Any attempt to measure thisvoltage necessarily involves connecting another conductor to the “hot”end. This additional conductor will then also experience the temperaturegradient, and develop a voltage of its own which will oppose theoriginal. Fortunately, the magnitude of the effect depends on the metalin use. Using a dissimilar metal to complete the circuit will have adifferent voltage generated, leaving a small difference voltageavailable for measurement, which increases with temperature. Thisdifference can typically be between 1 and 70 micro-volts per degreeCelsius for the modern range of available in metal combinations. Certaincombinations have become popular as industry standards, driven by cost,availability convenience, melting points, chemical properties,stability, and output.

It is important to note that thermocouples measure the temperaturedifference between two points, not absolute temperature. In traditionalapplications, one of the junctions, the cold junction, was maintained ata known (reference) temperature, while the other end was attached to aprobe.

For example, the cold junction could be at copper traces on the circuitboard. Another temperature sensor will measure the temperature at thispoint, so that the temperature at the probe lip can be calculated.Having available a known temperature cold junction, while useful forlaboratory calibrations, is simply not convenient for most directlyconnected indicating and control instruments. They incorporate intotheir circuits an artificial cold junction using some other thermallysensitive device (such as a thermistor or diode) to measure thetemperature of the input connections at the instrument, with specialcare being taken to minimize any temperature gradient between terminals.Hence, the voltage from a known cold junction can be simulated, and theappropriate connection applied. This is known as cold junctioncompensation.

Additionally, cold junction compensation can be performed by software.Device voltages can be translated into temperatures by two methods.Values cast either be found in look-up tables or approximated usingpolynomial coefficients.

Any extension cable or compensating cable must be selected to match diethermocouple. It generates a voltage proportional to the differencebetween the hot junction and cold junction, and is connected in thecorrect polarity so that the additional voltage is added to thethermocouple voltage, compensating for die temperature differencebetween the hot end cold junctions.

The relationship between the temperature difference and the outputvoltage of a thermocouple is generally nonlinear and is approximated bya polynomial interpolation.

$T = {\sum\limits_{n = 0}^{N}\;{a_{n}v^{n}}}$

The coefficients a_(n) are given for n from 0 to between 5 and 9. Toachieve accurate measurements lie equation is usually implemented in adigital controller or stored in a lookup table. Some older devices useanalog filters.

A variety of thermocouples are available, suitable for differentmeasurements applications (industrial, scientific, food temperature,medical research, etc.). They are usually selected based on thetemperature range and sensitivity needed. Thermocouples with lowsensitivities (B, R, and S types) have correspondingly lowerresolutions. Other selection criteria include the inertness of thethermocouple material, and whether or not it is magnetic. Thethermocouple types are listed below with the positive electrode first,followed by the negative electrode. For example, listed below are anumber of thermocouples types.

Type K—Chromel (Nickel-Chromium Alloy)/Alumel (Nickel-Aluminum Alloy).This is the most commonly used general purpose thermocouple. It isinexpensive and, owing to its popularity, available in a wide variety ofprobes. They are available in the 200° C. to +1200° C. range. Time typeK was specified at a time when metallurgy was less advanced than it istoday and, consequently, characteristics vary considerably betweenexamples. Another potential problem arises in sonnies situations sinceone of the constituent materials is magnetic (Nickel). Thecharacteristic of the thermocouple undergoes a step change when amagnetic material readies its Curie point. This occurs for thisthermocouople at 354° C. Sensitivity is approximately 41 μV/° C.

Type B—Chromel/Constantan (Copper-Nickel Alloy). Type B has a highoutput (65 μV/° C.) winch makes it well suited to cryogenic use.Additionally, it is non-magnetic.

Type J—Iron/Constantan. Type J has a limited range (−40 to +750° C.)makes type J generally less popular than type K. The main application iswith old equipment that cannot accept modern thermocouples. J typescannot be used above 760° C. as an abrupt magnetic transformation causespermanent de-calibration. The magnetic properties also prevent use insome applications. Type J's have a sensitivity of ˜52 μV/° C.

Type N—Nicrosil (Nickel-Chromium-Silicon Alloy)/Nisil (Nickel-SiliconAlloy). Type N thermocouples generally have high stability andresistance to high temperature oxidation which makes Type N suitable forhigh temperature measurements with out the cost of platinum (B, R, 5)types. They can withstand temperatures above 1200° C. Sensitivity isabout 39 μV/° C. at 900° C., slightly lower than a Type K. Designed tobe an improved type K, it is becoming more popular.

Thermocouple types B, R, and S are all noble metal thermocouples andexhibit similar characteristics. They are the most stable of allthermocouples. but due to their low sensitivity (approximately 10 μV/°C.) they are usually only used for high temperature measurement (>300°C.).

Type B—Platinum 30% Rhodium/Platinum 6% Rhodium. Suited for hightemperature measurements up to 1800° C. Type B thermocouples (due to theshape of there temperature-voltage curve) give the same output at 0° C.and 42° C. This makes them useless below 50° C.

Type R—Platinum 13% Rhodium/Platinum. Suited for bight temperaturemeasurements up to 1600° C. Low sensitivity (10 μV/° C.) and high costmakes Type R unsuitable for general purpose use.

Type S—Platinum 10% Rhodium/Platinum. Suited for high temperaturemeasurements up to 1600°. Low sensitivity (10 μV/° C.) and high costmakes them unsuitable for general purpose use. Due to its highstability, Type S is used as the standard of calibration for the meltingpoint of gold (1064.43° C.).

Type T Copper/Constantan. Suited for measurements in the −200 to 350° C.range. Often used as a differential measurement since only copper wiretouches the probes. As both conductors are non-magnetic, type Tthermocouples are a popular choice for applications such as electricalgenerators which contain strong magnetic fields. Type T thermocoupleshave a sensitivity of ˜43 μV/° C.

Type C—Tungsten 5% Rhenium/Tungsten 26% Rhenium. Suited for measurementsin the 32 to 4208° F. (0 to 2320° C.). This thermocouple is well-suitedfor vacuum furnaces at extremely high temperature and must never be usedin the presence of oxygen at temperatures above 500° F.

Type M—Nickel Alloy 19/Nickel-Molybdenum Alloy 20. This type is used inthe vacuum furnaces as well for the same reasons as with type C above.Upper temperature is limited to 2500° F. (1400° C.). Though it is a lesscommon type of thermocouple, look-up tables to correlate temperature toEMF (mini-volt output) are available.

A thermistor is a type of resistor used to measure temperature changes,relying on the change in its resistance with changing temperature.Thermistor is a combination of time words thermal and resistor. Thethermistor was invented by Samuel Ruben in 1930, and was disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 2,021,491.

If we assume that the relationship between resistance amid temperatureis linear (i.e. we make a first-order approximation), then we can saythat:ΔR=KΔTWhere:

-   -   ΔR change in resistance    -   ΔT=change in temperature    -   k=first-order temperature coefficient of resistance

Thermistors can be classified into two types depending on the sign of k.If k is positive, the resistance increases with increasing temperature,and the device is called a positive temperature coefficient (PTC)thermistor (Posistor). If is negative, the resistance decreases with indecreasing temperature, and the device is call a negative temperaturecoefficient (NTC) thermistor.

Thermistors differ from resistance temperature detectors in that thematerials used in a thermistor is generally a ceramic or polymer, whileRTDs use pure metals. The temperature response is also different; RTDsare useful over larger temperature ranges.

Other thermal technologies that can be employed include temperaturesensors: thermometers, bi-metal thermometers and thermostats, heatsensors such as bolometers and calorimeter.

It is anticipated by the Applicant that various types of thermocouplesor thermistors can be used for the present invention. It is notimportant what type of thermocouple or thermistor is utilized formonitoring or measuring the temperature of the water entering the showerhead, bath head or water supply lines except that it is accurate for theappropriate temperature range monitored or measured.

In order to monitor or measure the flow rate of the water beingdelivered by the water supply line various flow measuring technologiesare applicable to the present invention. For measuring or monitoring therate of the water flowing through the shower or bath head, the use ofvarious venturi type sensors or pressure sensors 74 as depicted in FIG.4 are positioned in close proximity to the water to be measured.

One means to monitor flow parameter is to create a venturi, whichconstricts the flow in some fashion, and measure the differentialpressure that results across the constriction. This method is widelyused to measure flow rate in the transmission of gas or liquids troughpipelines, and has been used since Roman Empire times. The venturieffect is all example of Bernoulli's principle, in the case ofincompressible fluid flow through a tube or pipe with a constriction init. The fluid velocity must increase through the constriction to satisfythe equation of continuity, while its pressure must decrease due toconservation of energy: the gain in kinetic energy is supplied by a dropin pressure or a pressure gradient force. The effect is named afterGiovanni Battista Venturi, (1746-1822), an Italian physicist.

Using Bernoulli's equation in the special case of incompressible fluids(such as the approximation of a water jet), the theoretical pressuredrop at the constriction would be given by the formula:(p2)(v ₂ ² −v ₁ ²)

In addition, the flow sensor 74 can be fabricated from pressure sensortechnology. Pressure sensors are used in numerous ways for control andmonitoring in thousands of everyday applications. Pressure sensors canbe used in systems to measure other variables such as fluid/gas flow,speed, water level, and altitude. Pressure sensors can alternativelycalled pressure transducers, pressure transmitters, pressure senders,pressure indicators among other names.

Pressure sensors can vary considerably in technology, design,performance, application suitability and cost. A conservative estimatewould be that there may be over 50 technologies and at least 300companies making pressure sensors worldwide.

There are also a category of pressure sensors that are designed tomeasure in a dynamic mode for capturing very high speed changes inpressure. Example applications for this type of sensor would be in themeasuring of combustion pressure in a engine cylinder or in a gasturbine. These sensors are commonly manufactured out of piezoelectricmaterials like quartz.

Some pressure sensors function in a binary manner, i.e., when pressureis applied to a pressure sensor, the sensor acts to complete or break anelectrical circuit. Some speed cameras use them. These types of sensorsare also known as a pressure switches.

In addition, various flow measuring technologies can be utilized as theflow sensor 74. In general, a flow sensor is a device for sensing therate of fluid flow. Typically a flow sensor is the sensing element usedin a flow meter, or flow logger, to record the flow of fluids. There arevarious kinds of flow meters, including some that have a vane that ispushed by the fluid, and can drive a rotary potentiometer, or similardevice. Other flow meters use a displacement piston, pushing it againsta spring. Flow meters are related to devices called velocimeters thatmeasure velocity of fluids flowing through them. Laser-basedinterferometry is often used for air flow measurement, but for liquids,it is often easier to measure the flow. Another approach isDoppler-based methods for flow measurement. Hall effect sensors may alsobe used, on a flapper valve, or vane, to sense the position of the vane,as displaced by fluid flow. A fluid dynamics problem is easily solved(especially in non-compressible fluids) by knowing the flow at all nodesin a network. Alternatively, pressure sensors can be placed at eachnode, and the fluid network can be solved by knowing the pressure atevery node. These two situations are analogous to knowing the currentsor knowing the currents at every node (noncompressible fluid beingconserved in the same manner as Kirchoff's current or voltage laws, inwhich conservation of fluid is analogous to conservation of electrons ina circuit). Flow meters generally cost more than pressure sensors, so itis often more economical to solve a fluid dynamics network monitoringproblem by way of pressure sensors, than to use flow meters.

In addition, there are several types of mechanical flow meters that canbe utilized with the present invention as the flow sensor 74 that arelisted below.

Piston Meter—Due to the fact that they used for domestic watermeasurement Piston meters, (also known as Rotary Piston, orSemi-Positive displacement meters) are the most common in the UK and areused for almost all meter sizes up to and including 40 mm (1½″). Thepiston meter operates on the principle of a piston rotating within achamber of known volume. For each rotation, an amount of water passesthrough the piston chamber. Through a gear mechanism and, sometimes, amagnetic drive, a needle dial and odometer type display is advanced.

Woltmann Meter—Woltman meters, commonly referred to as Helix meters arepopular at larger sizes. Jet meters (single or Multi-Jet) are increasingin popularity in the UK at larger sizes and are commonplace in the EU.

Dall Tube—A shortened form of the Venturi. Lower pressure drop than anorifice plate.

Orifice Plate—Another simple method of measurement uses an orificeplate, which is basically a plate with a hole through it. It is placedin the flow and constricts the flow. It uses the same principle as theventuri meter in that the differential pressure relates to the velocityof the fluid flow (Bernoulli's principle).

Pitot tube—Measurement of the pressure within a pitot tube in theflowing fluid, or the cooling of a heated element by the passing fluidare two other methods that are used. These types of sensors areadvantageous in that they are rugged, so not easily damaged in anextreme environment. A pitot tube is an L shaped tube which is also ableto measure fluid flow.

Paddle wheel—The paddle wheel translates the mechanical action ofpaddles rotating in the liquid flow around an axis into a user-readablerate of flow (gpm, lpm, etc.). The paddle tends to be inserted into theflow.

Pelton wheel—The Pelton wheel turbine (better described as a radialturbine) translates the mechanical action of the Pelton wheel rotatingin the liquid flow around an axis into a user-readable rate of flow(gpm, lpm, etc.). The Pelton wheel tends to have all the flow travellingaround it.

Turbine flow meter—The turbine flowmeter (better described as an axialturbine) translates the mechanical action of the turbine rotating in theliquid flow around an axis into a user-readable rate of flow (gpm, lpm,etc.). The turbine tends to have all the flow travelling around it.

Thermal mass flow meters—Thermal mass flow meters generally use one ormore heated elements to measure the mass flow of gas. They provide adirect mass flow readout, and do not need any additional pressuretemperature compensation over their specified range. Thermal mass flowmeters are used for compressed air, nitrogen, helium, argon, oxygen,natural gas. In fact, most gases can be measured as long as they arefairly clean and non-corrosive.

Vortex flowmeters—Another method of flow measurement involves placing anobject (called a shedder bar) in the path of the fluid. As the fluidpasses this bar, disturbances in the flow called vortices are created.The vortices trail behind the cylinder in two rolls, alternatively fromthe top or the bottom of the cylinder. This vortex trail is called theVon Karmen vortex street after von Karman's 1912 mathematicaldescription of the phenomenon. The speed at which these vortices arecreated is proportional to the flow rate of the fluid. Inside theshedder bar is a piezoelectric crystal, which produces a small, butmeasurable, voltage pulse every time a vortex is created. The frequencyof this voltage pulse is also proportional to the fluid flow rate, andis measured by the flowmeter electronics. With f=SV/L where, f=thefrequency of the vortices L=the characteristic length of the bluff bodyV=the velocity of the flow over the bluff body S=Strouhal Number and isa constant for a given body shape.

In addition, various magnetic, ultrasound and Coriolis flow meters canbe utilized with the present invention to function as the flow sensor74. Modern innovations in the measurement of flow rate incorporateelectronic devices that can correct for varying pressure and temperature(i.e. density) conditions, non-linearities, and for the characteristicsof the fluid. The most common flow meter apart from the mechanical flowmeters, is the magnetic flow meter, commonly referred to as a “magmeter” or an “electromag”. A magnetic field is applied to the meteringtube, which results in a potential difference proportional to the flowvelocity perpendicular to the flux lines. The physical principle at workis Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction. The magnetic flow meterrequires a conducting fluid, e.g. water, and an electrical insulatingpipe surface, e.g. a rubber lined non magnetic steel tube.

Ultrasonic flow meters—Ultrasonic flow meters measure the difference ofthe transit time of ultrasonic pulses propagating in and against flowdirection. This time difference is a measure for the average velocity ofthe fluid along the path of the ultrasonic beam. By using the absolutetransit times both the averaged fluid velocity and the speed of soundcan be calculated. Using the two transit times t_(up) and t_(down) andthe distance between receiving and transmitting transducers L and theinclination angle α one can write the equations:

$\nu = {{\frac{L}{2\mspace{14mu}{\sin(\alpha)}}\frac{t_{up} - t_{down}}{t_{up}t_{down}}\mspace{14mu}{and}\mspace{14mu} c} = {\frac{L}{2}\frac{t_{up} + t_{down}}{t_{up}t_{down}}}}$

Where v is the average velocity of the fluid along the sound path and cis the speed of sound.

Measurement of the doppler shift resulting in reflecting an ultrasonicbeam off the flowing fluid is another recent innovation made possible byelectronics. By passing an ultrasonic beam through the tissues, bouncingit off of a reflective plate then reversing the direction of the beamand repeating the measurement the volume of blood flow can be estimated.The speed of transmission is affected by the movement of blood in thevessel and by comparing the time taken to complete the cycle upstreamversus downstream the flow of blood through the vessel can be measured.The difference between the two speeds is a measure of true volume flow.A wide-beam sensor can also be used to measure flow independent of thecross-sectional area of the blood vessel.

Coriolis flow meters—Using the Coriolis effect causes a laterallyvibrating tube to distort, a direct measurement of mass flow can beobtained in a coriolis flow meter. Furthermore a direct measure of thedensity of the fluid is obtained. Coriolis measurement can be veryaccurate irrespective of the type of gas or liquid that is measured; thesame measurement tube can be used for hydrogen gas and peanut butterwithout recalibration.

Laser-doppler flow meter. Fluid flow can be measured through the use ofa monochromatic laser diode. The laser probe is inserted into a tissueand turned on, where the light scatters and a small portion is reflectedback to the probe. The signal is then processed to calculate flow withinthe tissues. There are limitations to the use of a laser doppler probe;flow within a tissue is dependent on volume illuminated, which is oftenassumed rather than measured and varies with the optical properties ofthe tissue. In addition, variations in the type and placement of theprobe within identical tissues and individuals result in variations inreading. The laser doppler has the advantage of sampling a small volumeof tissue, allowing for great precision, but does not necessarilyrepresent the flow within an entire organ or instrument. The flow meteris more useful for relative rather than absolute measurements.

In addition, as referred to in FIG. 6, optionally very sensitive flowsensor(s) 120 a, 120 b, 121 and 123, 121 and 123 can be mounted atappropriate locations with monitoring software incorporated into eitherthe flow sensors or the water use and water energy use monitoringdisplay apparatus base station 10, 126 can be employed to monitor leaksthat are ascertained, that can communicate to the present inventionwater monitoring base station. A warning can be displayed on the firstremote monitor or an immediate message can be sent to a programmed cellphone number by wireless communication means 46, 52 and/or 54. In thisoptional operation, a plurality of wireless or wired water verysensitive flow sensors 120 a, 120 b, 121 and 123, 121 and 123 can beinstalled in close proximity of the supply lines, for example washingmachines, sprinkler systems, refrigerator water supply lines, and otherpotential leaking sites, The water use and water energy use monitoringdisplay apparatus base unit 10, 126 periodically reads and stores datapoint water flow information corresponding to either a flow condition,no flow condition, or a slow flow condition through the supply line ofthe particular water fixture. The water use and water energy usemonitoring display apparatus base station 10, 126 is configured toperiodically receive a stream of stored data points from the at leastone wireless flow sensor node by way of at least one coordinator node.The base station is configured to determine, based on an analysis of thestream of data points, whether a leak exists in at least one of thewater fixtures. The water use and water energy use monitoring displayapparatus base station 10, 126 is designed, the when a leak is detected,to provide a warning light, display, or alarm, or using the wired orwireless technology or third communication means 46, 52 and/or 54) tocommunicate the leak condition to a resident, commercial unit operatoror manager, repair service person and/or municipal or governmentalagency.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, is an optional halogen (chloride orfluoride) sensor 76. There are currently several types sensors andtechnology are available on the commercial market that can be used withthe present invention as chlorine and fluoride are common compounds orelements that are added to the water supply in an attempt to maintainclean water. The sensor 76 communicates with the water use and waterenergy use monitoring display apparatus base station apparatus 10, 126through wired 77 (or wireless means) which includes specific softwareinstructions to display the halogen parameter on one of the displays orprovide an alarm that is programmed that is triggered when an certainlevel or percentage is exceeded.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, is an optional Total Dissolved Solids(TDS) sensor 78 measures are the total amount of mobile charged ions,including minerals, salts or metals dissolved in a given volume ofwater, expressed in units of mg per unit volume of water (mg/L), alsoreferred to as parts per million (ppm). TDS is directly related to thepurity of water and the quality of water purification systems andaffects everything that consumes, lives in, or uses water, whetherorganic or inorganic, whether for better or for worse. Dissolved solids”refer to any minerals, salts, metals, cations or anions dissolved inwater. This includes anything present in water other than the pure water(H2O) molecule and suspended solids. (Suspended solids are anyparticles/substances that are neither dissolved nor settled in thewater, such as wood pulp.) In general, the total dissolved solidsconcentration is the sum of the cations (positively charged) and anions(negatively charged) ions in the water. Parts per Million (ppm) is theweight-to-weight ratio of any ion to water. A TDS sensor or meter isbased on the electrical conductivity (EC) of water. Pure H2O hasvirtually zero conductivity. Conductivity is usually about 100 times thetotal cations or anions expressed as equivalents. TDS is calculated byconverting the EC by a factor of 0.5 to 1.0 times the EC, depending uponthe levels. Typically, the higher the level of EC, the higher theconversion factor to determine the TDS. TDS comes from organic sourcessuch as leaves, silt, plankton, and industrial waste and sewage. Othersources come from runoff from urban areas, road salts used on streetduring the winter, and fertilizers and pesticides used on lawns andfarms. Dissolved solids also come from inorganic materials such as rocksand air that may contain calcium bicarbonate, nitrogen, ironphosphorous, sulfur, and other minerals. Many of these materials formsalts, which are compounds that contain both a metal and a nonmetal.Salts usually dissolve in water forming ions. Ions are particles thathave a positive or negative charge. Water may also pick up metals suchas lead or copper as they travel through pipes used to distribute waterto consumers. Note that the efficacy of water purifications systems inremoving total dissolved solids will be reduced over time, so it ishighly recommended to monitor the quality of a filter or membrane andreplace them when required. The sensor 78 communicates with the wateruse and water energy use monitoring display apparatus base stationapparatus 10, 126 through wired 79 (or wireless means) which includesspecific software instructions to display the TDS parameter on one ofthe displays or provide an alarm that is programmed that is triggeredwhen an certain level or percentage is exceeded.

The EPA Secondary Regulations advise a maximum contamination level (MCL)of 500 mg/liter (500 parts per million (ppm)) for TDS. Numerous watersupplies exceed this level. When TDS levels exceed 1000 mg/L it isgenerally considered unfit for human consumption. A high level of TDS isan indicator of potential concerns, and warrants further investigation.Most often, high levels of TDS are caused by the presence of potassium,chlorides and sodium. These ions have little or no short-term effects,but toxic ions (lead arsenic, cadmium, nitrate and others) may also bedissolved in the water.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, is an optional sensor 130 to measure ormonitor the amount of metallic substances such as iron. Metallic or ironcontent in water can cause discoloration and other problems. It isanticipated by the Applicant that sensors for other metals, such asmercury, lead, or metallic elements can be utilized with the presentinvention. Mercury and lead consumption and exposure are known to behazardous to humans. One method known to measure iron in a water sampleis to use a Hall sensor biased with a magnet. As the sensor ispositioned over the iron, more flux will pass through the Hall sensor.The sensor 130 communicates with the water use and water energy usemonitoring display apparatus base station apparatus 10, 126 throughwired 131 (or wireless means) which includes specific softwareinstructions to display the metallic or iron parameter on one of thedisplays or provide an alarm that is programmed that is triggered whenan certain level or percentage is exceeded.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, is a biological or fecal coliform(bacteria) sensor 132. In general, increased levels of fecal coliformsprovide a warning of failure water treatment, a break in the integrityof the distribution system, or possible contamination with pathogens.When levels are high there may be an elevated risk of waterbornediseases or gastroenterisits. The presence of fecal coliform in watersystem may indicate that the water has been contaminated with the fecalmaterial of humans or other animals. Fecal coliform bacteria can enterrivers or storm drains through direct discharge of waste from mammalsand birds, from agricultural and storm runoff, and from human sewage.Failing home septic systems can allow coliforms in the effluent to flowinto the water table, aquifers, drainage ditches and nearby surfacewaters and can contaminate wells or water systems. Sewage connectionsthat are connected to storm drains pipes can also allow human sewageinto surface waters. Some older industrial cities, particularly in theNortheast and Midwest of the United States, use a combined sewer systemto handle waste. A combined sewer carries both domestic sewage andstormwater. During high rainfall periods, a combined sewer can becomeoverloaded and overflow to a nearby stream or river, bypassingtreatments. Pets can contribute to fecal contamination of surfacewaters. Runoff from roads, parking lots, and yards can carry animalwastes to streams through storm sewers. Birds can be a significantsource of fecal coliform bacteria Agricultural practices such asallowing livestock to graze near water bodies, spreading manure asfertilizer on fields during dry periods, using sewage sludge biosolidsand allowing livestock watering in streams can all contribute to fecalcoliform contamination. Some waterborne pathogenic diseases that maycoincide with fecal coliform contamination include ear infections,dysentery, typhoid fever, viral and bacterial gastroenteritis, andhepatitis A and C. Reduction of fecal coliform in wastewater may requirethe use of chlorine and other disinfectant chemicals. Such materials maykill the fecal coliform and disease bacteria. They also kill bacteriaessential to the proper balance of the aquatic environment, endangeringthe survival of species dependent on those bacteria. So higher levels offecal coliform require higher levels of chlorine, threatening thoseaquatic organisms. Municipalities that maintain a public water supplywill typically monitor and treat for fecal coliforms. In waters of theU.S., Canada and other countries, water quality is monitored to protectthe health of the general public. In the U.S., fecal coliform testing isone of the nine tests of water quality that form the overallwater-quality rating in a process used by U.S. EPA. However, in certainsituations, such as septic systems, wells, and cross-contamination inplumbing distal to the site where water quality is tested, provides arisk. The fecal coliform assay should only be used to assess thepresence of fecal matter in situations where fecal coliforms ofnon-fecal origin are not commonly encountered. EPA has approved a numberof different methods to analyze samples for bacteria. The sensor 132communicates with the water use and water energy use monitoring displayapparatus base station apparatus 10, 126 through wired 133 (or wirelessmeans) which includes specific software instructions to display thefecal coliform parameter on one of the displays or provide an alarm thatis programmed that is triggered when an certain level or percentage isexceeded.

The monitoring of fecal coliform and other contaminates may also becomevery important where many municipalities and cities are considering theuse of sewage treated water, commonly known as grey water, andcontamination may be useful in these situations.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, is an optional pH sensor 134. VariouspH sensors available in the current market can be utilized with thepresent invention. The sensor 134 communicates with the water use andwater energy use monitoring display apparatus base station apparatus 10,126 through wired 135 (or wireless means) which includes specificsoftware instructions to display the pH parameter on one of the displaysor provide an alarm that is programmed that is triggered when an certainlevel or percentage is exceeded.

In additional, as shown in FIG. 4, is an optional water hardness sensor136. As pure water is a good solvent and picks up impurities easily andis often called the universal solvent. When water is combined withcarbon dioxide to form very weak carbonic acid, an even better solventresults. As water moves through soil and rock, it dissolves very smallamounts of minerals and holds them in solution. Calcium and magnesiumdissolved in water are the two most common minerals that make water“hard.” The degree of hardness becomes greater as the calcium andmagnesium content increases and is related to the concentration ofmultivalent cations dissolved in the water. Hard water interferes withalmost every cleaning task from laundering and dishwashing to bathingand personal grooming. Clothes laundered in hard water may look dingyand feel harsh and scratchy. Dishes and glasses may be spotted when dry.Hard water may cause a film on glass shower doors, shower walls,bathtubs, sinks, faucets, etc. Hair washed in hard water may feel stickyand look dull. Water flow may be reduced by deposits in pipes. Dealingwith hard water problems in the home can be a nuisance. The amount ofhardness minerals in water affects the amount of soap and detergentnecessary for cleaning. Soap used in hard water combines with theminerals to form a sticky soap curd. Some synthetic detergents are lesseffective in hard water because the active ingredient is partiallyinactivated by hardness, even though it stays dissolved. Bathing withsoap in hard water leaves a film of sticky soap curd on the skin. Thefilm may prevent removal of soil and bacteria. Soap curd interferes withthe return of skin to its normal, slightly acid condition, and may leadto irritation. Soap curd on hair may make it dull, lifeless anddifficult to manage. When doing laundry in hard water, soap curds lodgein fabric during washing to make fabric stiff and rough. Incomplete soilremoval from laundry causes graying of white fabric and the loss ofbrightness in colors. A sour odor can develop in clothes. Continuouslaundering in hard water can shorten the life of clothes. In addition,soap curds can deposit on dishes, bathtubs and showers, and all waterfixtures. Hard water also contributes to inefficient and costlyoperation of water-using appliances. Heated hard water forms a scale ofcalcium and magnesium minerals that can contribute to the inefficientoperation or failure of water-using appliances. Pipes can become cloggedwith scale that reduces water flow and ultimately requires pipereplacement.

The hardness of your water is generally reported in grains per gallon,milligrams per liter (mg/l) or parts per million (ppm). One grain ofhardness equals 17.1 mg/l or ppm of hardness.

The Environmental Protection Agency establishes standards for drinkingwater which fall into two categories—Primary Standards and SecondaryStandards.

Primary Standards are based on health considerations and SecondaryStandards are based on taste, odor, color, corrosivity, foaming, andstaining properties of water. There is no Primary or Secondary standardfor water hardness. Water hardness is classified by the U.S. Departmentof Interior and the Water Quality Association as follows:

Classification mg/l or ppm grains/gal Soft   0-17.1 0-1 Slightly hard17.1-60     1-3.5 Moderately hard  60-120 3.5-7.0 Hard 120-180  7.0-10.5Very Hard 180 & over 10.5 & over NOTE: Other organizations may useslightly different classifications.

The sensor 136 communicates with the water use and water energy usemonitoring display apparatus base station apparatus 10, 126 throughwired 13 (or wireless means) which includes specific softwareinstructions to display the pH parameter on one of the displays orprovide an alarm that is programmed that is triggered when an certainlevel or percentage is exceeded.

Now referring to FIG. 5, which presents a more detailed example 110 ofthe first remote display and/or recording apparatus 50 or the secondoptional (handheld) display and/or recording apparatus 56. The firstdisplay/recording apparatus 50 or optional second (handheld) displayand/or recording apparatus 56, represented as apparatus 110, includes ahousing or container 112, display means 114, 116, and 118 and/orsoftware control buttons 140, 142, and 144, the electronic circuit board(microprocessor) with wire or wireless capability, and power sourcewhich are common components between the two display and/or recordingapparatuses. It is also anticipated that an optional thirddisplay/recorder (not shown) could utilized with computer or televisionthat has an internet, intranet, wire or wireless means. In this firstdisplay/recorder 50, the second display/recorder 56, or the thirdcomputer or televisions can utilize custom software and/or marketsoftware that will be used to transfer the water parameter informationfrom the primary or secondary water/energy use monitoring displayapparatus 10, 126 to the first display and/or recording apparatus 50,the second display and/or recording apparatus 56, or the third computeror television.

The example of the first remote display and/or recording apparatus 50,or the second remote display/recording apparatus 56, represented asapparatus 110, includes within the housing or container 112, acomputerized circuit board (depicted in FIG. 3), that communicates withthe one or more display means 114, 116, and 118. The housing 112 canhave an optional door for replacing a battery power source or removabledata chip, or electrical connector for regenerating the power source.The apparatus 110 has a plurality of buttons 120, 122, and 124 and/orsoftware buttons or activators (e.g. touch screen) 140, 142, 144 thatallow for certain modification of the software instructions (changeunits, change language, change from metric to US standard, set alarms,initiate communication with wired or wireless means). While FIG. 5 showsthree hard buttons 114, 116, and 118 and six software button activators140, 144, and 146, it is anticipated by the Applicant that a differentseries of hard or software buttons can be used, and/or a differentseries of software button sequencing can be utilized. For example, otherhard button technology can be used, such as a rotary switches ormultiple membrane switch technology. The housing or container 112 can befabricated from a metallic material such as brass, brass alloys, steel,galvanized steel, copper, copper allows or any combination thereof. Thedisplay means housing can be fabricated from a number of polymericmaterials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polybutylene,acryaontirile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), rubber modified styrene,polypropylene, polyacetal, polyethylene, or nylon. The base material canbe painted white or colored finishes or coated with various brass,silver and gold type materials to accommodate the match with variouspresently marketed finishes. The material for fabricating the housing112 is not particularly important except and the size of the displaymeans will generally determine the size of the housing but it does nothave to be substantially rectangular as shown, any number of geometricconfigurations could be used in the present invention.

The plurality of display means 114, 116, and 118 and as presented inFIG. 5 utilizes one or more illuminating technologies, such as LCD, LED,gas plasma, fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or otherlighting technologies but should be able to provide sufficient lightingfor observing the data and information in dark conditions. In addition,the display means and display means housing should be able to sustaincapability in moist wet conditions. The present invention can includeone or more than one display means to show various water use and waterenergy use parameters. Provided only as an example, display means 114,116, and/or 118 can display different levels of water use with a colorhue or format providing a visual cue. For example, a green background orparameter digits for a 1^(st) hundred cubic feet (e.g. a first 14 HCF)level, yellow background or parameter digits for a 2^(nd) hundred cubicfeet (a second 14 IICF) level, and red background or parameter digitsfor a 3^(rd) hundred cubic feet (28 HCF) level, can be displayed. Forexample, the other embodiment with only the flow and water use displaycan be manufactured to reduce overall costs. Furthermore, theorientation of the water use and water energy use parameters can bepresented in various formats. For example, the flow parameter can be ontop 114 with the date parameter on the bottom 118 and with the energyparameter sandwiched between 116. The displays 114, 116, and 118 canhave a background light or parameter alpha-numeric digits that is usedfor various purposes, for example, for providing better lightingconditions or changing color e.g. from green to yellow and to red, todisplay an alarming condition (e.g. water use over time has exceed acertain level). Displaying of all water and water energy parameters canutilize a gang multiple LCD, LED, gas plasma, fluorescence,incandescent, halogen, halide, or other lighting technologies separatedisplays, custom displays, graphic displays or a single line displaywhich sufficient digits that sequences the presentation of the waterparameters and water energy parameters one at a time with a specificdelay and sequencing. An example of a LCD unit that can be used with thepresent invention is the color graphic 128×128 LCD-00569 marketed bySparkfun Electronics in Boulder, Colo. Digitikey, Mouser and otherelectronic supply warehouses have many other variants and other LCD,LED, gas plasma, fluorescence, incandescent, halogen, halide, or otherlighting technologies that can be utilized with the present invention.

The display means 114, 116, and 118 can be programmed to display one ormore parameters in a visual means that can be either an analog,character or digital display, or combination of display means.Information obtained from the appropriate sensor monitoring or measuringthe water parameters such as temperature, date/time, and flow rate canbe displayed in an appropriate format on the display means. For example,when a sensor is monitoring or measuring the rate of water flowing froma water source or through the shower head, the display means could showany flow between 0 gal/min (0 liters/min) to many thousands of gals/day.For example, when a sensor is monitoring the shower temperature of waterflowing through the housing, the display means could show any energyratio calculation that takes into effect the overall temperature andtotal volume of heated water vs. the total volume of cold or ambientwater. It is anticipated by the Applicant that many different waterenergy calculations might be utilized by the present invention.Furthermore, the display can be programmed to display calendarinformation, such as the date and current time (12 hr. or 24 hr.format).

It is anticipated by the Applicant the present invention can befabricated and marketed with one, two or more display means. Forexample, a lower cost display assembly can be fabricated and sold thatonly has a temperature sensor and temperature display means. A moreexpensive display assembly can be fabricated and sold that hastemperature, flow, timing and other sensors with various programmedmethods and a shut off mechanism.

Also shown in FIG. 5, one or more ergonomically 120, 122, 124 placedbuttons or activators which can be incorporated into the display meanshousing or container or touch screen software buttons 140, 142, and/or144 to allow the modification of certain parameter units (e.g. metric toUS), set alarm conditions (e.g. flow/volume rate-set points), or toprogram certain settings, e.g. over water use alarm, monitor continuousleakage (valve not complete shut off). The buttons will electricallycommunicate with the electronic circuit board and microprocessor 84contained within the housing or container 112 and respond to programmedinstructions integrated within the CPU or microprocessor 84 andassociated circuitry of the electronic circuit board. The buttons oractivators 120, 122 and/or 124 should be mounted with the display meanshousing or container 112 with the capability to protect the buttons andelectronic circuitry with the housing for exposure to moist and wetconditions. It is also an alternative design to use touch sensitivedisplay means or touch screen technology.

Also as shown in FIG. 3 but applicable to FIG. 5, is an CPU ormicroprocessor 84 and associated circuitry mounted on a electroniccircuit board with a power source and contained within the first remotedisplay and/or recording apparatus 50, or the second remote displayand/or recording apparatus 56. The microprocessor 84 controls thedisplay and/or recording apparatuses and communicates with the sensors.The CPU or microprocessor 84 and associated circuitry mounted on theelectronic circuit board can also have the capability to be programmedfor controlling certain display means (e.g. U.S. or metric units),programming certain alarm or setting states (e.g. flash all displaymeans red when the total volume has exceeded a certain volume, forexample, 150 gallons/day).

Now referring to FIG. 6 is a perspective view home 119 having of aplurality of optional highly sensitive water flow sensors with one waytransmission, half duplex or full duplex transceivers 120 a, 120 b, 121and 123, attached to various locations for monitoring water use andfurthermore for monitoring for water leaks in addition to the flowsensor 74.

In regard to FIG. 6, the wireless data transfer or communication meanscan use radio-frequency, Bluetooth, ZigBee, WiFi, optical or otherwireless technology for transferring the water parameter data generatedby the water use, water energy and water quality sensors and collectedby the microprocessor 84 and sent to a remote display and/or recordingapparatus 50, 56. Display and/or recorder receiver apparatus 50, 56 canhave the function allows an individual or entity to review that data forauditing or monitoring purposes. Examples of Bluetooth modules (usingthe 2.4 GHz band as WiFi) that can be added to the present invention arethe RN-41 Bluetooth modules available from Roving Networks in Los Gatos,Calif., the KC-41, KC 11.4, KC-5100, KC-216 or KC-225 data serialmodules from KC Wireless in Tempe Ariz., and/or the BT-21 module fromAmp'ed RF wireless solutions in San Jose, Calif. Examples of wirelessprotocols that can be utilized with the present invention include, butare not limited to, the IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g andIEEE 802.11n modulation techniques. Another example of the wirelessprotocols that can be utilized with the present invention is the ZigBee,Z-wave and IEE 802.15.4 modulation technology. Applicants recognize thatthere are numerous wireless protocols that have been developed that,although not specifically listed, could be utilized with the presentinvention for data transfer purposes.

In addition, the wireless or wire data transfer can be connected to theInternet using the IP or DHCP protocols whereby the data can bemonitored remotely over the Internet using a software program designedto record, display, analyze and/or audit the water parameter data. Thepresent invention would probably have to “log on” to a server to reportthe water parameters or it could respond to queries once its presence isknown to the server.

Also some wireless routers support a form of “private” point-to-point orbridging operation which could be used to transfer water parameter datafrom the present invention to a receiving apparatus. Other kinds ofproprietary protocols to be used with the present invention are possibleas well. For example, there is the ISM (industrial, scientific andmedical) bands The ISM bands are defined by the ITU-R in 5.138, 5.150,and 5.280 of the Radio Regulations. Individual countries' use of thebands designated in these sections may differ due to variations innational radio regulations. Because communication devices using the ISMbands must tolerate any interference from ISM equipment, these bands aretypically given over to uses intended for unlicensed operation, sinceunlicensed operation typically needs to be tolerant of interference fromother devices anyway. In the United States of America, ISM uses of theISM bands are governed by Part 18 of the FCC rules, while Part 15Subpart B contains the rules for unlicensed communication devices, eventhose that use the ISM frequencies. Part 18 ISM rules prohibit using ISMfor communications.

The ISM bands defined by the ITU-R are:

Frequency Center range [Hz] frequency [Hz] Availability 6.765-6.795 MHz6.780 MHz Subject to local acceptance 13.553-13.567 MHz 13.560 MHz26.957-27.283 MHz 27.120 MHz 40.66-40.70 MHz 40.68 MHz 433.05-434.79 MHz433.92 MHz Region 1 only 902-928 MHz 915 MHz Region 2 only 2.400-2.500GHz 2.450 GHz 5.725-5.875 GHz 5.800 GHz 24-24.25 GHz 24.125 GHz 61-61.5GHz 61.25 GHz Subject to local acceptance 122-123 GHz 122.5 GHz Subjectto local acceptance 244-246 GHz 245 GHz Subject to local acceptance

While currently the 430 MHz and 900 MHz frequencies are commonly used inthe US, it is anticipated by the Applicants that the other frequenciescould be used for water parameter transfers.

Another protocol known as CAN or CAN-bus (ISO 11898-1) that wasoriginally designed for automotive applications, but now moving intoindustrial applications is another type of network that could be used totransfer water parameter data. Devices that are connected by a CANnetwork are typically sensors, actuators and control devices. A CANmessage never reaches these devices directly, but instead ahost-processor and a CAN Controller is needed between these devices andthe bus.

The present invention can also use RF mesh technology, which allowsmeters and other sensing devices to securely route data via nearbymeters and relay devices, creating a “mesh” of network coverage. Thesystem supports two-way communication between the water use and waterenergy use monitoring display apparatus base station 10 (and 126 in FIG.6) and the remotely positioned display and/or recorder receiverapparatus 50, 56 and can be upgraded remotely, providing the ability toimplement future innovations easily and securely.

The electric network access point collects data and periodicallytransfers this data to defined municipality via a secure cellularnetwork. Each RF mesh-enabled device (meters, relays) is connected toseveral other mesh-enabled devices, which function as signal repeaters,relaying the data to an access point. The access point deviceaggregates, encrypts, and sends the data back to municipality orgovernmental agency over a secure commercial third-party network. Theresulting RF mesh network can span large distances and reliably transmitdata over rough or difficult terrain. If a meter or other transmitterdrops out of the network, its neighbors find another route. The meshcontinually optimizes routing to ensure information is passed from itssource to its destination as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Furthermore, the present invention can communicate utilizing opticaltechnology and other wireless networks such a cell phone technology orprivate networks.

The transfer of data or information through wired or wireless technologycan be initiated using a “wake up” button or signal from a first orsecond remote display/recorder.

Also shown in FIG. 6 is another embodiment of the present inventionwhereby the water energy use monitoring display apparatus base stationapparatus 126 is in close proximity to the water pressure reductionvalve 124. It is anticipated by the Applicant the water use and waterenergy use monitoring display apparatus base station apparatus 126 canbe incorporated into a water pressure valve or water meter to providesingle apparatus the replaces the water meter or water pressurereduction valve. It is also anticipated by the Applicant that when thewater use monitoring display apparatus base station 126 is in closeproximity to the highly sensitive flow sensor e.g. the irrigation flowsensor 121, the electrical connection or communication can be hardwired. The typical locations for the highly sensitive water flow sensorswith transceivers 120 a, 120 b, 121 and 123 are at the water inputsupply lines for a typical washing machine 128, a sprinkler system 122,the at the water pressure reduction valve 124 or at the shower head 122.The very sensitive flow sensors with transceivers 120 a, 120 b, 121 and123 can also be located on water using appliances such as sinks,toilets, hot water heaters, clothes washers, bathtubs, and the like.

The use of water flow sensors on the irrigation water source and otheroutdoor water sources can function to provide independent outdoor waterdata. The use of indoor water use (data acquired by the installed basesystem 10 or 126) and outdoor water (data acquired by sensor 121 atirrigation supply 122 use can be individually monitored. This can beuseful for an individual or commercial operator to employ waterconservation methods (e.g., reduce the sprinkler frequency or duration).Alternately, the monitoring of indoor water use and outdoor water usecould be utilized by the particular water supplying municipality orgovernment agency to apply different rates for indoor water use andoutdoor water use. Furthermore, since many municipalities change a sewerfee that is calculate as a ratio of the total water use, the monitoringof indoor water use versus outdoor water use can reduce the sewer feesfor consumers. In sever situations, a control valve can be located at aparticular location, e.g. at the irrigation valve 122 whereby byutilizing the two-way duplex wireless capability through communicationmeans 46 and 54 of the water use and water energy use monitoring displayapparatus 10, 126, the water supplying municipality or government agencycan remotely control water use (e.g. send out a code that inhibitsoutdoor water use on certain days or at certain hours of the day).

The highly sensitive flow sensors with transceivers 120 a, 120 b, 121and 123, should be designed to determine if the flow is occurringthrough a particular water fixture is as slow as, for example, 25-50 mlper minute. The highly sensitive flow sensors with transceivers 120 a,120 b, 121 and 123 can be programmed to periodically detect slow flow orno flow conditions at particular time intervals, such as, for example,every 10 to 45 seconds. Alternately the water parameter data can berecorded and stored at individual high flow sensor for subsequenttransmission as a stream of data points or a data packet. In this regardthe recorded data can be transmitted wirelessly to the base station 10,126 at longer programmable time intervals, such as, for example, every24 hours. The highly sensitive flow sensor with transceivers 120 a, 120b, 121 and 123 are designed as wireless flow sensors and designed tohave very low electrical power usage. Power consumption for each highlysensitive water flow sensor with transceivers 120 a, 120 b, 121 and 123are designed to be extremely low, for example, about 100-200 micro-amphours per day. Power can be supplied by batteries, or alternatively, canbe connected to the 120/240 volt electrical system. The highly sensitivewater flow sensors with transceivers 120 a, 120 b, 121 and 123, can havean extended battery life by utilizing the interval wirelesscommunications or transmissions and with a long lasting battery pack,such as, for example, the Tadiran series of batteries manufactured byTadiran U.S. Battery in Lake Success, N.Y. A sealed door means isutilized to allow battery replacement. In addition, the batteries can berecharging type and accessed with a electrical coupler accessed from theoutside of the highly sensitive flow sensors with transceivers 120 a,120 b, 121 and 123.

At the water use and water energy use monitoring display apparatus/basestation 10, 126, received data can be stored and analyzed to determinewhether any water fixture in the facility is leaking can be analyzed ameans that differentiates between normal flow conditions and a slow flowcondition. When or if leakage condition is indicated, an alert can begenerated on the various displays associated with the water use andwater energy use monitoring display apparatus base station 10, 126and/or initiate a call, using wireless network 44, can be made to thehome or office owner/operator or to the municipality or governing agencyso that maintenance personnel can be dispatched to turn-off the watersupply at the offending residence or office or fix the leaking unit. Thedata and/or results of analysis conducted at the water use and waterenergy use monitoring display apparatus base station 10, 126 can betransmitted to a remote central monitoring computer service viasatellite, microwave technology, the internet, telephone lines, and thelike. At the off-site location, additional analysis and/or monitoringcan be accomplished. An example of the highly sensitive flow sensorswith transceivers 120 a, 120 b, 121 and 123 can be designed using theFS6-1 Flow Switch with High Sensitivity manufactured by McDonnell andMiller together with standard transceiver technology.

The highly sensitive flow sensors with transceivers 120 a, 120 b, 121and 123 are designed to have coordination between the water use andwater energy use monitoring display apparatus base station 10, 126 byusing software instructions for timing, network position, and pollingoperations. For example, the water use and water energy use monitoringdisplay apparatus base station 10, 126 can first send a broadcastmessage to, for example, one or more highly sensitive flow sensors withtransceivers 120 a, 120 b, 121 and 123. The broadcast message caninstruct the highly sensitive flow sensors with transceivers 120 a, 120b, 121 and 123 to, for example, synchronize themselves in the system,set their clocks, and identify their wireless path to the water use andwater energy use monitoring display apparatus base station 10, 126.After receiving the broadcast message, the water use and water energyuse monitoring display apparatus base station 10, 126 can send anacknowledgement back to the water use and water energy use monitoringdisplay apparatus base station 10, 126 revealing their location in thesystem.

The water use and water energy use monitoring display apparatus basestation 10, 126 can also communicate with the highly sensitive flowsensors with transceivers 120 a, 120 b, 121 and 123 to include softwareinstructions for programming time intervals for water parameter datatransmission.

Coordination of data packet transmissions from the highly sensitive flowsensors 120 a, 120 b, 121 and 123 can be scheduled. The water use andwater energy use monitoring display apparatus base station 10, 126 canrun a master schedule for querying each flow sensor 120 a, 120 b, 121and 123. For example, the water use and water energy use monitoringdisplay apparatus base station 10, 126 can transmit a message to aspecific coordinator node 18 and that coordinator node can thensequentially request data from each of its flow sensors 120 a, 120 b,121 and 123. This systematic process can reduce data packet collision onthe network and can make the use and water energy use monitoring displayapparatus base station 10, 126 immediately aware of any flow sensor 120a, 120 b, 121 and 123 that might be having trouble transmitting its datapacket. The water use and

water energy use monitoring display apparatus base station 10, 126 cantransmit an acknowledgement to each highly sensitive flow sensors 120 a,120 b, 121 and 123 after successfully processing a data packet.

The software in the water use and water energy use monitoring displayapparatus base station 10, 126 to perceive water flow characteristics inthe facility for a given unit of time, such as, for example, a day, forevery unit in the facility. The software should be designed to identifynumerous conditions, such as, for example, faulty toilet valves,periodic and irregular water flow for example toilets, faucets, and aslow constant water flow, a characteristic of a leakage condition.

The system and method of the present invention provide an automatedsystem that can reliably identify and report the status of flow throughwater fixtures found in various rooms, area, and/or facilities. In areal time, the identification of leaks can be brought to the attentionof an owner or appropriate repair individual thereby offsetting costs ofsystem implementation of the present invention by savings in water costsand benefits in water conservation.

While this invention has been described as having a preferred design,the present invention can be further modified within the spirit andscope of this disclosure. The application is therefore intended to coverany variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice and the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A water and water energy parameter use andmonitoring apparatus comprising: a base station apparatus designed to beconnected to a water supply means, said base station including ahousing; said base station apparatus having a plurality of joint meansfor connecting to a hot water supply means and a cold or ambient watersupply means; said plurality of joint means including an input hot waterjoint means designed to be engaged to an output heated supply line nearthe water supply source; an input cold or ambient joint means designedto be engaged to the output of a cold or ambient water near the watersupply source; said plurality of joint means further including an outputhot water joint means designed to be engaged to an output hot waterdistribution line and an output cold or ambient joint means designed tobe engaged to the output cold or ambient water distribution lines; saidapparatus having one or more display means, said display meansprogrammed to visually display one or more water parameters; electricalcircuitry including a microprocessor with a power source containedwithin said apparatus; a first temperature sensor means in closeproximity to said hot water supply line, a second temperature sensormeans in close proximity to said cold or ambient water supply line, saidtemperature sensor means in electrical communication with saidelectrical circuitry; a first flow sensor means in close proximity tosaid hot water supply line, a second flow sensor means in closeproximity to said cold or ambient water supply line, said flow sensormeans in electrical communication with said electrical circuitry; saidfirst temperature sensor together with said first flow sensor means, andsaid second temperature sensor together with said second sensor meanscommunicate with said electrical circuitry and with said microprocessor,said microprocessor having programming instructions to compute waterenergy calculations and provide water energy data in a tabular orgraphic format; one or more wired or wireless communication means, saidcommunication means having the capability to transfer water parameterand water energy information and/or data to one or more displayapparatuses; said base station and/or said display apparatuses havingthe means to communicate with said microprocessor to allow themodification of certain software instructions, such as changing units,changing languages, display one or more visual means or characters,enter the current data and time, changing from metric to US standard,setting alarms, monitor continuous leakage, calibrating sensors,establish communication with wired or wireless sensors, or entering cellphone numbers and any combinations thereof; said wireless or wiredcommunication means utilizes technology to securely provide water useand water energy use information and/or data in a confidential format.2. The water and water energy parameter use and monitoring apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising one or more wireless or wired remoteapparatuses, said wireless or wired remote apparatus having thecapability to retrieve water use and/or water energy use informationand/or data from said water and/or water energy parameter use andmonitoring display apparatus and having programmed instructions toexhibit on one or more display means such water and/or water energyparameter use.
 3. The water and water energy parameter use andmonitoring display apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a firstremote apparatus designed to be situated in a location within aresidential or commercial building for convenient viewing orobservation.
 4. The water and water energy parameter use and monitoringapparatus of claim 2, further comprising a second remote apparatusdesigned for municipal or governmental use and wherein said secondremote apparatuses is located and utilized in an outdoor location formonitoring a plurality of residential homes or commercial buildings. 5.The water and water energy parameter use and monitoring apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said wireless or wired communication means utilizesencrypted format technology to securely provide water use and waterenergy use information and/or data in a confidential format.
 6. Thewater and water energy parameter use and monitoring apparatus of claim2, wherein said wireless or wired communication means utilizesauthentication technology to ensure that transferred, uploaded, ordownloaded information and/or data is communicated to an intended deviceor person.
 7. The water and water energy parameter use and monitoringapparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless or wired communication meansutilizes integrity technology to ensures that a message, information ordata does not alter in any way during transit.
 8. The water and waterenergy parameter use and monitoring apparatus of claim 2, wherein saidwireless or wired communication means utilizes non-repudiationtechnology that prevents a sender from denying that a message, data orinformation was sent by said communication means.
 9. The water and waterenergy parameter use and monitoring apparatus of claim 1 or 2, furthercomprising a microprocessor that has programming instructions todisplaying two or more different background lights or parameter colorson said display means to provide a visual cue associated with the volumerange of water use and/or water energy use that has been monitored. 10.The water and water energy parameter use and monitoring apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising two or more additional sensor means, saidadditional sensor means selected from a group consisting of a sensormeans for monitoring one or more halogen elements or compounds, sensormeans for monitoring total dissolve solids, sensor means for monitoringa metallic or iron element or compound, sensor means for monitoringwater hardness, sensor means for monitoring biological or coliformcontaminates, sensor means for monitoring pH, or any combinationsthereof.
 11. The water and water energy parameter use and monitoringapparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more highly sensitivewater flow sensors designed to detect water leaking conditions.
 12. Thewater and water energy parameter use and monitoring apparatus of claim1, further comprising a water shut off means, whereby said water shutoff means is controlled by programming instructions from saidmicroprocessor for turning on and off said shut off means.
 13. The waterand water energy parameter use and monitoring apparatus of claims 1,wherein one of said one or more wired or wireless electricalcommunication means comprises an offsite central monitoring computer orcell, mobile or other telephone lines via satellite, microwavetechnology, the internet, cell tower, telephone lines, or anycombinations thereof.
 14. The water and water energy parameter use andmonitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication isin a IP or DHCP protocol and wherein said IP or DHCP protocol allows thesaid apparatus to access and communicate over the Internet.
 15. Thewater and water energy parameter use and monitoring apparatus of claim1, wherein said wireless communication has a frequency in the range of 6MHz to 250 GHz.
 16. The water and water energy parameter use andmonitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication isin a CAN or CAN-bus protocol.
 17. The water and water energy parameteruse and monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wirelesscommunication is in a radio frequency format, ZigBee or Bluetoothformat.
 18. The water and water energy parameter use and monitoringapparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication is in acellular format technology.
 19. The water and water energy parameter useand monitoring apparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communicationis WiFi format.
 20. The water and water energy parameter use and monitorapparatus of claim 1, wherein said wireless communication means utilizesshort range capability, seldom utilized wireless frequencies, orswitching frequency techniques to securely provide transfer of water useand water energy use information and/or data in a confidential format.